Field Level Media
29 May 2026, 07:35 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)
Ian Happ continued to shine in his hometown, collecting three hits, including a two-run homer, as the Chicago Cubs beat the host Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2 on Thursday to split a four-game series.
Happ, a Pittsburgh native who grew up in the suburbs, reached base for the 41st consecutive game at Pittsburgh. In final two games of the series, he homered in each contest and drove in eight runs.
Happ's 12th long ball of the season highlighted Chicago's three-run eighth inning. Seiya Suzuki had two hits and two RBIs for the Cubs, who have won back-to-back games after losing 10 in a row.
Chicago starter Colin Rea (5-3) pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts.
It was a frustrating night for Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes (6-5), who lost his third consecutive start, the first time that has happened in his career.
Skenes struck out 10 and induced 20 swing-and-misses in 5 1/3 innings. However, some defensive miscues, including one of his own, contributed to the three runs the Cubs scored against him. Skenes was charged with only one earned run. He walked three and allowed four hits.
Skenes tried to make a defensive play that ended up costing him in the fourth inning. With a runner on first and two outs, he attempted to barehand a grounder up the middle by Happ and couldn't come up with it in time to throw to first. Suzuki then hit a flare into short left-center for a single to score Michael Busch, who reached on a walk, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
Two errors led to Skenes' exit in the sixth. With one out and Busch on first following another walk, Skenes induced a grounder to third by Alex Bregman. Tyler Callihan one-hopped the throw to first, allowing Bregman to reach. Callihan, who was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, replaced Nick Gonzales at third base in the third inning after Gonzales came out because of left knee discomfort.
Happ then hit a chopper near second base. Shortstop Jared Triolo fielded the ball and bounced his throw past first base, allowing Busch to score. Mason Montgomery took over on the mound, and the Cubs added a third run on a fielder's-choice grounder by Suzuki.
Bryan Reynolds smacked his fifth home run of the season and led the Pirates with two hits. Pittsburgh has lost two in a row after winning three straight.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Sports Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sports Sun.
More Information(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images) Ian Happ continued to shine in his hometown, collecting three hits, including a two-run...
(Photo credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images) Forward Koa Peat, a projected first-round pick, will remain in the 2026 NBA Draft and...
(Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images) Pinch hitter Yohendrick Pinango drew a tiebreaking bases-loaded walk in the eighth...
(Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images) The Boston Red Sox placed right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock on the 15-day injured...
(Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images) New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson broke his right pinky finger earlier this week...
(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) Soaring once more despite a rash of injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers will play host...
India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], May 4: In a landscape where systemic barriers too often define the trajectory of justice-impacted...
(Photo credit: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart addressed teammates...
(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq underwent surgery to repair a hernia and is out several weeks....
(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images) The New York Jets signed veteran kicker Younghoe Koo on Thursday, adding him to the...
(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images) The last time that two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson spoke publically...
(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is targeting Week 1 for his return and taking most...
