Recap
3 min read

Cubs' Early Burst at PNC Park Leaves Pirates in the Wake

First Inning


The Chicago Cubs, with an 87-64 record, faced off against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who stood at 65-87. The game commenced with a strong start from the Cubs as they quickly took control in the first inning. The North Side managed to score 2 runs on 3 hits, setting an early tone for their offensive prowess. This initial burst was crucial as it laid down a foundation that would carry them through the rest of the game.


Sep 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton (22) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Second Inning


Continuing their momentum into the second inning, Cubbies added another run to their tally. With consistent hitting and strategic base running, they capitalized on opportunities presented by Bucs' pitching. Michael Busch's performance was noteworthy; his batting average soared to .750 with a home run and an RBI contributing significantly to this inning's success.


Fifth Inning


The fifth inning saw another surge from Chicago as they scored one more run on a single hit. Their ability to maintain pressure on Pittsburgh's defense was evident throughout this period of play. Meanwhile, Cade Horton showcased his pitching skills effectively by maintaining an ERA of 1.8 and striking out key batters when needed.


Sep 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Brad Keller (40) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Eighth Inning


As both teams entered later innings without much change in scorelines due largely due excellent defensive plays from both sides - particularly notable were those made by Nico Hoerner whose fielding percentage remained perfect at 1.0 - it became clear that earlier efforts had secured victory for visitors despite some attempts made late-game rally attempts attempted unsuccessfully against them during final stages before closing out match-up securely within regulation time limits set forth beforehand (9 innings).


Cubs vs Pirates Recap


In summary: The Cubs emerged victorious over Pirates with final scoreline reading "4-1". Key factors included early offensive bursts coupled alongside solid performances across board especially highlighted via contributions such as those seen coming directly off bats like Busch’s or arms belonging pitchers including Horton among others involved throughout entirety contest itself ultimately leading towards successful outcome achieved here today overall!


Sep 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) chases a ball hit for a double by Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (not pictured) during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Looking ahead now next scheduled encounter between these two teams will take place tomorrow afternoon (September17th) starting promptly around lunchtime local time (12:35 PM EDT) once again hosted inside familiar confines found within boundaries surrounding iconic venue known simply yet affectionately referred commonly amongst fans everywhere alike under moniker 'PNC Park'. For those unable attend live action firsthand themselves personally however fear not because coverage available via MLB Network broadcast ensuring nobody misses any moment excitement sure unfold soon enough!


Don't forget share article friends fellow enthusiasts keep conversation going long after final pitch thrown!

Rate the article

Related stories

Cubs' Dominant Pitching Silences Pirates at PNC Park
Recap

Cubs' Dominant Pitching Silences Pirates at PNC Park

3 min read
Cubs' Seventh-Inning Surge Douses Rays at Wrigley Field
Recap

Cubs' Seventh-Inning Surge Douses Rays at Wrigley Field

3 min read
Can Cubs' Resilient Effort Against Rays at Wrigley Field Spark a Comeback?
Recap

Can Cubs' Resilient Effort Against Rays at Wrigley Field Spark a Comeback?

3 min read
Cubs Outshine Rays with Hoerner's Heroics at Wrigley Field
Recap

Cubs Outshine Rays with Hoerner's Heroics at Wrigley Field

3 min read