The Chicago Cubs completed a three-game series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates following a 14-10 comeback victory Thursday. The Pirates lost the game, despite having Paul Skenes on the mound, and building a 10-3 lead when Skenes left the game. The Pirates bullpen allowed the Cubs 11 unanswered runs in the loss.
(….Major League teams had been 0-353 entering yesterday’s game with at least a seven-run deficit entering the seventh inning or later….)
Skenes allowed two earned runs over his five innings, while striking out six. Relievers Kyle Nicholas, Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar combined to allow 10 earned runs. Bednar blew another save, allowing five runs in the ninth inning.
The Pirates matched the Cubs 16 hits, led by Bryan Reynolds and Connor Joe, who had three hits each.
Oneil Cruz made his debut in centerfield Wednesday, and made his 25th error of the season. He was charged with the error, when catcher Yasmani Grandal failed to field a throw to the plate in the second inning.
The Pirates are off today, then begin a three-games series in Cleveland Friday night.