Cubs Stage Dramatic Comeback to Avoid Sweep Against Pirates The Chicago Cubs delivered a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 12, 2026, in a dramatic ninth-inning walk-off win that salvaged the series after a frustrating weekend. The game, which saw the Cubs fall behind early and face a potential sweep, became a testament to resilience, with key contributions from multiple players and a standout performance from starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. The Cubs entered the game with a 3-1 deficit in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, and one out. Carson Kelly, the team’s rookie second baseman, stepped up with a game-winning single to the warning track in right-center field, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The walk-off hit, which came after a sequence of clutch hits and defensive plays, marked a turning point for the Cubs, who had struggled to string together offensive success earlier in the season. The comeback began in the third inning when Dansby Swanson launched a solo home run to center field, igniting the Cubs’ offense. Swanson’s power play was a critical early spark, setting the tone for the team’s eventual rally. However, the Cubs’ offensive struggles persisted throughout much of the game, with the Pirates capitalizing on defensive lapses and timely hits. The Pirates’ lead grew to three runs by the fifth inning, and the Cubs’ offense appeared to be in a rut. Despite the challenges, the Cubs’ bullpen held the Pirates in check, allowing just one run over the final four innings. Jameson Taillon, who had been criticized for his earlier struggles, pitched six innings of solid ball, allowing six earned runs but limiting damage with key strikeouts and defensive plays.#chicago_cubs #pittsburgh_pirates #dansby_swanson #jameson_taillon #carson_kelly
Cubs Avoid Sweep with Dramatic 7-6 Win Over Pirates The Chicago Cubs secured a hard-fought 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 12, 2026, avoiding a sweep in a crucial series at Wrigley Field. The game, which stretched into the ninth inning, featured a dramatic comeback that highlighted the team’s resilience despite a sluggish offensive performance earlier in the series. The Cubs’ breakthrough came in the bottom of the ninth inning, where Carson Kelly delivered the game-winning hit. With the bases loaded and one out, Kelly smashed a "single" to the warning track in right-center, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The win marked a pivotal moment for the Cubs, who had struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the series. The Pirates had taken an early lead, but the Cubs’ offense clawed back with a series of rallies. After falling behind 4-3 in the top of the 11th inning, the Cubs’ bats finally came alive, pushing the game into extra innings. However, the Pirates’ offense proved just as dangerous, as they scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th on a controversial play involving Caleb Thielbar’s errant throw to first base. The Cubs’ starting rotation played a critical role in the victory, with Edward Cabrera pitching a scoreless game to keep the Pirates’ offense in check. Despite the team’s offensive struggles, the rotation’s performance provided the foundation for the comeback. The win was a welcome relief for the Cubs, who had been plagued by missed opportunities in the previous games. The series against the Pirates, which did not include the presence of Paul Skenes, was a test of the team’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure. The Cubs’ ability to avoid the sweep underscored their determination to turn things around in the 2026 season.#chicago_cubs #pittsburgh_pirates #wrigley_field #carson_kelly #edward_cabrera
