Pirates Lose Consecutive 3-2 Games vs. Cubs, Marlins Ending Win Streak

The Pittsburgh Pirates faced two close defeats this week, falling 3-2 to both the Chicago Cubs and the Miami Marlins. Against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Pirates battled back from an early deficit but left the bases loaded in the seventh inning, unable to overcome home runs by Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki, with Cubs starter Jameson Taillon dominating through six innings. In their home game against the Marlins, the Pirates' four-game win streak ended despite late home runs from Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz, as Sandy Alcantara delivered six shutout innings and Nick Fortes hit a two-run homer off Mitch Keller, who now holds a 1-9 record despite a respectable ERA. Pirates reliever Jared Triolo and others had opportunities to tie the game but failed to capitalize, with critical baserunning mistakes also contributing to the loss. Managerial changes have seen Don Kelly replace Derek Shelton, under whom the Pirates have gone 15-15, but the team continues to struggle with a 28-42 overall record. The Pirates remain in search of consistent offensive production and pitching support to improve their standing this season.