Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/5/21): Cubs 11, Pirates 8 – Cubs Have Grand Time Sweeping Bucs
The Cubs continued their hot play by completing a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon. The game in which they extended the six-game win streak was one of the craziest of the season, featuring three grand slams.
Chicago took a 2-1 lead in the 2nd thanks to back-to-back home runs from Matt Duffy and Jason Heyward. Zach Davies ran into big problems in the 3rd inning, surrendering a grand slam to Bryan Reynolds that gave Pittsburgh a 5-2 edge.
The Cubs didn’t let that slam go unanswered as they staged their own five-run rally in the bottom of the frame, culminating in a grand slam from Duffy. Pittsburgh got a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch to tie things up in the 5th inning.
The Pirates took an 8-7 lead on a Jacob Stallings RBI infield single in the 6th, but the Cubs again answered back in a big way. Frank Schwindel, who else, stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 7th and launched a grand slam over the left field wall.
Rowan Wick pitched the final two innings and was able to secure the save in the 11-8 victory. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
They were able to come through multiple times with runners on base and their bullpen was just able hold the Pirates down late.
Key Moment
Schwindel’s granny was huge, making this only the third time in Cubs history that they hit two grand slams in the same game.
Stats That Matter
- Davies went just four innings and gave up six runs as he continues his season-long struggles.
- Schwindel also had a pair of singles as he continues to be red hot.
- It was a surprising display of power from Duffy, who was just able to clear the wall twice.
Bottom Line
The Cubs are definitely fun to watch these days. Duffy and Schwindel are making a case to earn some playing time in 2022.
On Deck
The Cubs welcome the Reds for a three-game series starting Labor Day at 1:20pm CT. Sonny Gray takes on Justin Steele in a contest available on Marquee and 670 The Score.