What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs triumphed over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 4-3 victory, thanks to Dansby Swanson's decisive sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. The game marked the conclusion of a weekend series, with the Cubs having previously won 3-1 on Saturday. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ contributed significantly with two hits each, helping the Cubs recover from a recent slump where they lost four out of five games. The Cubs are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers in a crucial five-game series, starting with a doubleheader at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are currently eight games behind the Brewers in the National League Central division.
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Why It's Important?
This victory is crucial for the Cubs as they aim to close the gap with the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The upcoming series against the Brewers presents an opportunity for the Cubs to improve their standings in the NL Central. The win also boosts the team's morale after a challenging period of losses. For the Pirates, the loss highlights their struggles with runners in scoring positions, as they went 3 for 13 and left 10 on base during the game. The outcome of the upcoming series could significantly impact the playoff prospects for both teams.
What's Next?
The Cubs will face the Milwaukee Brewers in a five-game series, which includes a split doubleheader. The Cubs' manager, Craig Counsell, has yet to announce the starter for the second game. Meanwhile, the Pirates will begin a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Paul Skenes starting for the Pirates and Kevin Gausman for the Blue Jays. These matchups are critical as both teams seek to improve their standings and secure playoff positions.
