Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/30/25): Pirates 4, Cubs 3 – Bounces Don’t Go Cubs Way in Loss
The Cubs took on the Pirates at PNC Park Wednesday night after winning big in the series opener on Tuesday. Chicago literally did not get the bounces to go their way in this one and Pittsburgh was able to even the series.
The Pirates went ahead on Matthew Boyd in the bottom of the 1st inning when Joey Bart hit a flare to right field that dropped in for a single to score Oneil Cruz, who had doubled to lead off the frame. Carmen Mlodzinski kept the North Siders quiet through the first four innings and the game stayed 1-0.
The Pirates loaded the bases with nobody out in the 4th, but it appeared they would squander when Jared Triolo flew out to center and Pete Crow-Armstrong threw home to nail the runner tagging from third base. The play was challenged and overturned, giving Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead.
The Cubs finally got to Mlodzinski in the top of the 5th when the first two hitters reached base and Ian Happ singled home a run to knock the Pirates starter out of the game. Ryan Borucki took over from there, and after a wild pitch, Kyle Tucker grounded out to score the tying run. A second wild pitch chased in the go-ahead run to put the road team on top 3-2.
The Bucs went back on top after a bizarre series of events in the bottom of the 7th. An error and a single put two on with two outs for Andrew McCutchen with Caleb Thielbar on the mound. McCutchen hit a hard ground ball up the middle that Dansby Swanson inadvertently kicked into the outfield for a go-ahead double and a 4-3 Pittsburgh advantage.
The Cubs just couldn’t get anything going against the Pirates bullpen and went on to lose by that same 4-3 mark. (Box score)
Key Moment
Jon Berti booted a ground ball at third base off the bat of Isiah Kiner-Falefa with one out in the bottom of the 7th. The error extended the inning for McCutchen, who doubled on a wacky play to give Pittsburgh the lead for good.
Why the Cubs Lost
The offense could not repeat its success from Tuesday and some sloppy defense cost them late.
Stats That Matter
- Boyd got into a couple of jams but gave his team a chance to win: 5 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 6 K, 3 BB.
- Swanson had three hits and might be starting to come out of his slump.
- Happ had a pair of hits and hit a line drive that somehow bounced off the pitcher’s shoe and into the shortstop’s glove for an out.
Bottom Line
That was definitely one of those frustrating baseball losses when every single bounce and break goes against you. The Cubs absolutely could have won this game but it didn’t happen, so just have to move on. The goal is still to win every series because a sweep is always going to be difficult, even against a bad team. This game again demonstrated that third base is going to be a nagging problem for Chicago.
On Deck
The rubber match of the series starts bright and early Thursday at 11:35am CT. It’s a tough task for the Cubs with Paul Skenes getting the start for the Pirates. Colin Rea opposes him in a game broadcast on Marquee with radio coverage on 670 The Score.
Ed. note: The result of the game will probably be forgotten quickly, but the shocking event that delayed it in the 7th innings will not be. A fan fell more than 20 feet from the stands in right field after appearing to have jumped over the railing, then lay motionless on the warning track while medical crews got him on a stretcher and took him to Allegheny General Hospital. Our thoughts are with the fan and his family.
