The Cubs’ bats stayed hot at PNC Park Tuesday night, putting up another big crooked number on the Pirates. The margin of victory wasn’t quite as impressive as Monday’s shellacking, but they were still able to win comfortably to move above .500 for the first time since May 28.
Pittsburgh got to Justin Steele for a pair of runs in the opening inning on an Oneil Cruz sacrifice fly and an RBI double by Bryan De La Cruz. The Cubs could not figure out hard-throwing rookie Jared Jones through the first three frames and the game remained 2-0.
The North Siders had a much better time with their second look at Jones in the 4th inning. Seiya Suzuki hit a two-run homer just over the high wall in right field to tie the score. After Nico Hoerner doubled in the go-ahead tally, Dansby Swanson cracked a two-run shot of his own to make it 5-2 Chicago.
Seiya likes his tacos oppo. ? pic.twitter.com/pSKN2SGDO6
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 27, 2024
The Cubs added critical insurance in the following frame when reliever Ben Heller walked Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong with the bases loaded to bring home a pair of free runs. Miguel Amaya then smoked a single right back through the middle, knocking in two more as the game suddenly became a 9-2 laugher.
Chicago’s bullpen allowed a couple of late runs but the outcome was never really in doubt. The Cubs ensured their fourth consecutive series win and have a chance for a sweep on Wednesday. (Box score)
Key Moment
Mike Tauchman rallied back from an 0-2 count to earn an eight-pitch walk to lead off the 4th inning. The North Siders would go on to score five runs in the frame.
Why the Cubs Won
Another big offensive showing was more than enough to take home the victory Tuesday.
Stats That Matter
- Steele did well but a high pitch count forced him out early: 5 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 6 K, 2 BB.
- Swanson was perfect at the plate with the homer, a single, and two walks.
- Suzuki reached three times.
- Amaya continued his torrid stretch with two more singles.
Bottom Line
The lineup is finally starting to hit like the front office was hoping it would before the season. Things might be very different if this had happened a month ago, but the odds to make the playoffs are pretty long at this point. The Cubs are in a position now where they have to start sweeping series to get back in the race. They haven’t been able to do that very often this year, so it would definitely be a good time to start.
On Deck
The Cubs try to earn that important sweep Wednesday afternoon at 11:35am CT. Kyle Hendricks takes on phenom Paul Skenes in a game available on MLB Network (out of market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.
The post Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/27/24): Cubs 9, Pirates 5 – Bats Stay Hot in Series Clinching Win appeared first on Cubs Insider.