Bryan Reynolds Went Yard and the Cubs Never Recovered: Pirates Shut Out Chicago 2-0

The Pittsburgh Pirates just walked into Wrigley Field and left with a shutout win, and it all came down to one swing. Bryan Reynolds launched a two-run home run off Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar in the seventh inning, and that was enough. Pirates 2, Cubs 0. Final.

Here's what makes this even more brutal for Chicago: Pittsburgh didn't even get its first hit until the top of the seventh. Shota Imanaga was dealing for the Cubs, throwing six scoreless innings without allowing a single hit. But the moment the Pirates got something going, they made it count. Ryan O'Hearn singled to right off Thielbar's first pitch of the inning, and Reynolds didn't miss the very next one. His two-run shot to left field was his third homer of the season, and it ended up being the only runs that mattered all day.

Pirates' Pitching Locked Down Chicago All Night

Carmen Mlodzinski was phenomenal for Pittsburgh, going 5 1/3 innings without allowing a run. He gave up six hits, walked three, and struck out two. The Cubs had their chances, especially in the fourth when they loaded the bases with two outs, but Mlodzinski got Moises Ballesteros to line out to left and escaped unscathed.

Mason Montgomery came in for relief and earned the win, striking out two batters in the process. Dennis Santana locked down the ninth for his first save of the season, striking out Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch for a perfect inning.

Cubs Couldn't Get Anything to Fall

Chicago worked seven walks and had six hits, but they were completely helpless with runners in scoring position. The Cubs went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left 11 on base. Ian Happ had two hits and Carson Kelly went 1-for-3 with three walks, but it didn't matter.

Imanaga struck out nine Cubs batters and walked just one across six hitless frames, but got a no-decision for his troubles. This is the kind of loss that stings because Pittsburgh was terrible for six innings and still won 2-0.

The Pirates have now won seven of their last nine games heading into Saturday's matchup. They're still chasing their first series win over Chicago since September 2024.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.