Chicago Cubs defeat Pittsburgh Pirates in extra‑inning thriller
On July 24, 2026 the Chicago Cubs edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 3‑2 in the top of the 10th inning. Dansby Swanson delivered an RBI single that scored automatic runner Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki added an insurance run with a bases‑loaded walk. Pete Crow‑Armstrong contributed a solo homer and two hits, while starter Matthew Boyd limited the Pirates to one run over seven innings.
The following night the Cubs dominated the series finale, beating Pittsburgh 11‑0. Center‑fielder Crow‑Armstrong went 4‑for‑5 with a home run, three RBIs and a near‑cycle performance. Left‑hander Shōta Imanaga tossed six shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out four. Pirates ace Paul Skenes allowed five earned runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Both games featured a marquee pitching matchup on July 25, with Imanaga facing Skenes, and betting lines favored Pittsburgh (-120) despite the Cubs’ larger payroll and recent winning streak. The series kept the Cubs near the top of the National League Central, while the Pirates remained a mid‑table team.