Pirates
Pirates Edge Cubs in Extras; Paul Skenes Solid Again, Kiner-Falefa Comes Through
Paul Skenes took a no-decision after throwing 5.0-scoreless innings, but Isiah Kiner-Falefa delivered the game-winner in the 10th inning in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon.
How We Got There
23-year-old starters Paul Skenes and Cade Horton didn’t allow a run in their outings, but the Pirates (29-42) finally struck against the Cubs’ bullpen in the eighth.
Henry Davis led off the inning with a double off the wall in left and advanced to third on an Isiah Kiner-Falefa sacrifice bunt. On a 3-0 pitch, Oneil Cruz hit a dribbler back to pitcher Brad Keller, who threw home. Davis beat the throw to put the Pirates ahead 1-0.
The Cubs (42-28) tied the score in the bottom of the eighth when Dansby Sawnson bounced into a fielder’s choice to plate Kyle Tucker from third.
With the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the 10th, Kiner-Falefa ripped a sacrifice fly to left-center to put the Pirates back on top.
David Bednar sealed the win by holding the Cubs scoreless in the 10th. Dennis Santana (2-1) threw 1.2-scorelss innings of relief and got the win.
Key Moment
Kyle Tucker doubled to left-center off Paul Skenes with two outs and Ian Happ on first base in the bottom of the fifth. Happ was waved home but center fielder Oneil Cruz, shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and catcher Henry Davis combined for a perfect relay to end the inning.
Oneil Cruz ➡️ IKF ➡️ Henry Davis ➡️ Got him pic.twitter.com/hzdlrMWr7t
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 13, 2025
Star of the Game
David Bednar is now 10-for-10 in save opportunities this season. He faced the top of the Cubs’ lineup in the 10th but retired them in order.
Stat to Know
Paul Skenes has allowed one run or fewer in each of his last seven starts dating back to May 12. He has a 0.76 ERA (4er/47.2ip) over that span.
Notable Performances
- Paul Skenes: 5.0 innings, four hits, no runs, two walks, five strikeouts, 95 pitches/60 strikes
Noteworthy
- Paul Skenes has yet to allow a run in his career at Wrigley Field. Combined between three appearances, Skenes has totaled 16.0 scoreless innings.
- Andrew McCutchen’s season-high tying six-game hit streak came to an end with an 0-for-4 performance.
- The Pirates claimed RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks off waivers from the Angels and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis. C Endy RodrĂguez (right elbow inflammation) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Up Next
RHP Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.00 ERA) starts for the Pirates on Saturday afternoon. The Cubs will have LHP Matthew Boyd (5-3, 2.89 ERA) on the mound. First pitch: 2:20 p.m. ET.