Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/12/26): Cubs 7, Pirates 6 – Kelly Walks Off Comeback Victory
The Cubs fell behind immediately on Sunday and looked like they were headed for a third consecutive defeat, but the result was different this time. The home team clawed back to tie the game and walked it off in the bottom of the 9th to avoid a sweep.
The Pirates took advantage of the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field with a couple of early home runs against starter Jameson Taillon. Oneil Cruz hit a solo shot to begin the game, then Brandon Lowe landed the big blow with a grand slam in the top of the 2nd to put the road team on top 5-0.
Chicago cut into the deficit against Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler with a pair of solo home runs from Dansby Swanson and Moisés Ballesteros that made it 5-2 in the bottom of the 3rd. Lowe hit his second longball in the top of the 5th to increase the margin to 6-2.
It was at that point that the North Siders began to chip away, starting with an Alex Bregman sacrifice fly in the bottom of the frame. Bregman picked up a less conventional sac fly in the 7th when his pop-up to second base sent Lowe to the ground, allowing Swanson to tag from third and score to bring it to 6-4.
The Cubs finally tied the game in the bottom of the 8th when pinch-hitter Michael Busch singled with two men on base to score one run. A wild throw back into the infield allowed a second run to score, evening things at 6-6.
Chicago loaded the bases in the bottom of the 9th and Carson Kelly ripped a single to the wall in right-center field to win the game 7-6. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Pirates had a runner on third with two outs in the top of the 9th, but Daniel Palencia got Lowe to strike out on a high fastball. You won’t hear any complaints from the Cubs about the umpire’s ruling that Lowe failed to fully check his swing.
Why the Cubs Won
They battled back after falling behind and the bullpen kept Pittsburgh from adding to their lead late.
Stats That Matter
- Taillon did not have a good day, but he provided valuable innings to keep the Cubs alive: 6 IP, 6 R, 6 H, 10 K, and 2 BB.
- Bregman walked, singled, and had two RBI.
- Swanson walked twice in addition to the home run, and he scored three runs on Sunday.
Bottom Line
Even though it’s still early in the season, that feels like an important win for the Cubs. Getting swept at home against a team you’re going to be fighting in the division all season would not be good. The offense continues to get tons of runners on base, so it’s just a matter of cashing in more often like they did in this one.
On Deck
The Cubs heads to Philadelphia to begin a series with the Phillies on Monday night at 5:40pm CT. Javier Assad takes the hill against Cristopher Sánchez in a game broadcast on FS1 and Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.
