Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/12/26): Cubs 4, Pirates 3 – Patient Approach Leads to W
The Cubs took on the Pirates Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field with a chance to secure a series win. The home team fell behind in the middle of the game before rallying back with two in the 8th inning to win.
Chicago grabbed the lead against Paul Skenes in the bottom of the 1st when Michael Busch blasted a solo home run. They doubled their advantage when Pedro Ramírez added his own homer in the bottom of the 3rd.
Starting pitcher Clay Holmes did very well until he ran into trouble in the top of the 6th inning. A single and an error by shortstop Nico Hoerner put two on with one out for Ryan O’Hearn, who hit a go-ahead three-run homer to put Pittsburgh in front 3-2.
The North Siders got their opportunity when Gregory Soto replaced Skenes in the bottom of the 8th and loaded the bases with a double, a hit by pitch, and a walk. The Pirates left-hander could not get his control back, walking pinch-hitter Matt Shaw and plunking Hoerner on the foot to put the home squad on top 4-3.
Ryan Rolison and Ryan Zeferjahn combined to close out the top of the 9th and the Cubs were victorious by the same margin. (Box score)
Key Moment
Jacob Webb got Oneil Cruz to ground out to first with the bases loaded in the top of the 6th to end the inning and keep the score at 3-2.
Why the Cubs Won
Decent pitching and a very patient approach at the plate were enough to earn the win.
Stats That Matter
- Holmes was much better than his performance in Miami: 5.2 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 6 K, and 4 BB.
- Ramírez had a double, which started the winning rally in the 8th, to go with his home run.
- Alex Bregman reached base three times, two of which came on HBP.
Bottom Line
Perhaps the Cubs’ best skill in 2026 is their ability to get on base. They have the highest OPS as a team and they demonstrated it perfectly in the comeback on Saturday. This lineup is not going to help out opposing pitchers if they don’t put the ball in the strike zone. It puts tremendous pressure on the opposition and wins games like this one.
On Deck
Chicago goes for the sweep Sunday afternoon at 1:20pm CT. Matthew Boyd is on the mound against Bubba Chandler in a contest available on Marquee with radio coverage on The Score.
