Pirates

Pirates Preview: Can Bucs Go Back-to-Back vs. Cubs?

Published

4 weeks ago

June 14, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in 10 innings on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Paul Skenes took a no-decision after throwing 5.0-shutout innings and Isiah Kiner-Falefa drove in the game-winning run on a sac fly in the top of the 10th.

The Pirates (29-42) will try and make it two-straight against the NL Central-leading Cubs (42-28) on Saturday afternoon in Chicago.

First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

Partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the low 70s. Winds ESE at 10-11 mph.

RHP Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.00 ERA) Will Start for the Pirates

Burrows last faced the Marlins at PNC Park on Monday night and allowed two runs in 4.2 innings.

Combined between his first two starts in June, Burrows has allowed two runs on nine hits in 9.2 innings with 12 strikeouts.

Prior to getting recalled to Pittsburgh. Burrows went 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 32.1 innings across eight appearances/seven starts with Triple-A Indianapolis.

This will be his first time facing the Cubs.

Matthew Boyd (5-3, 2.89 ERA) Will Start for the Cubs

Boyd delivered another strong start his last time out. Though he didn’t record a strikeout the left-hander held the Phillies to two runs (one earned) on eight hits in six innings.

Over his last three starts dating back to May 28, Boyd has a stellar 1.40 ERA (3er/19.1ip).

In five starts at Wrigley Field this season Boyd is a perfect 5-0 with a 2.40 ERA and has 32 strikeouts and just two walks.

In his career against the Pirates, Boyd is 0-3 with a 6.53 ERA in six starts.

Cubs Hitters vs. Burrows

Jon Berti: 0 for 1, one walk

Pirates Hitters vs. Boyd

Andrew McCutchen: 3 for 10, one home run, two RBI, one walk, one strikeout
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 2 for 9, one double, one RBI, two strikeouts
Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 8, one double, one walk, three strikeouts
Adam Frazier: 0 for 5, one walk, two strikeouts
Oneil Cruz: 1 for 4, one double, one walk, two strikeouts
Tommy Pham: 1 for 4, one walk, three strikeouts
Nick Gonzales: 2 for 3, one double, one strikeout
Jared Triolo: 1 for 3, one RBI, one strikeout
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 2 for 2, one RBI

Tidbits

Paul Skenes is now second in baseball with a 1.78 ERA on the season. Mets starter Kodai Senga is first with a 1.47 ERA.
Skenes has allowed one run or fewer in each of his last seven starts dating back to May 12 and has a 0.76 ERA (4er/47.2ip) over that span.
The Pirates are now 4-3 in extra-inning games this season. Pittsburgh hasn’t finished a season with a winning record in extra innings since going 5-3 in 2021.