Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/15/25): Cubs 4, Pirates 0 – PCA Has Big Night in Shutout Win

The Cubs got their series against the Pirates underway at PNC Park Monday on Roberto Clemente night. Chicago went on top early and the pitching did good work as the road team picked up a shutout win.

The North Siders got the scoring going with a pair of runs against Braxton Ashcraft in the top of the 3rd inning. Michael Busch hit a solo homer and Nico Hoerner came home on a wild pitch after back-to-back singles for a 2-0 edge.

Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled, stole third, and came into score on an RBI two-base hit by Dansby Swanson to increase the Cubs’ advantage to 3-0 in the 4th. Jameson Taillon was sharp on Monday, pitching six shutout frames to protect his team’s lead.

PCA kept his big night going with a tape-measure solo home run to right field off of former Chicago farmhand Cam Sanders and it was 4-0 in the 6th inning. Things got tense for a bit in the 9th inning when Pittsburgh loaded the bases against Porter Hodge with two outs, but Brad Keller came on and got the final out to preserve the victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs going ahead in the 3rd inning was huge with the Pirates’ inability to score runs.

Why the Cubs Won

A couple of home runs and excellent pitching is usually a winning formula, and Monday was no different.

Stats That Matter

• Two very nice outings for Taillon since coming off the injured list: 6 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 K, 2 BB.
• It’s very refreshing to see PCA with a pair of extra-base hits after his recent struggles.
• Swanson had two hits and a stolen base as he continues a good stretch.

Bottom Line

The Cubs continue to get very good starting pitching in the second half of the season, which is a good sign for the playoffs. Speaking of, Chicago’s magic number for a postseason berth is down to three, and they very likely will clinch in the next couple of days. The next two weeks are about positioning themselves for the tournament to come.

On Deck

Tuesday’s game features a tremendous pitching matchup with Cade Horton going up against Paul Skenes. The contest begins at 5:40pm CT and is available on Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.