Pirates Overmatched by Wicks in MLB Debut; Rally Falls Short in Loss to Cubs

PITTSBURGH — Ke’Bryan Hayes got things going in the bottom of the first inning with a leadoff home run, but that was all the Pittsburgh Pirates could muster against Jordan Wicks.

The Pirates put together a late rally with a five-run seventh inning but ultimately were defeated by the Chicago Cubs 10-6 at PNC Park on Saturday night.

Recap

Wicks, making his major league debut, settled in and carved up the Pirates’ lineup. After Hayes’ home run, Bryan Reynolds singled and Andrew McCutchen drew a walk. Wicks (1-0) went on to retire the final 15 batters he faced, including nine via strikeout en route to his first-career win.

On the mound for the Pirates, Colin Selby threw two perfect innings in an opener capacity in what was his first start as a major leaguer.

Osvaldo Bido (2-5) entered the game in relief of Selby and struggled. The right-hander allowed eight runs in just 2.1 innings of relief. His command was an issue and he walked five batters. Bido also allowed five hits and struck out one batter.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Liover Peguero drove in a run with a sacrifice fly before Alika Williams and Hayes recorded RBI singles. Reynolds followed with a two-run double, but the Pirates were unable to do any further damage.

The Cubs added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the ninth on a two-run double off the bat of Seiya Suzuki.

Key Moment 

After allowing the first three batters to reach and falling behind cleanup hitter Connor Joe 2-0, Wicks was paid a visit by Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and proceeded to mow down the Pirates.

Star of the Game

Wicks went five impressive innings in his first start as a major leaguer. His nine strikeouts are the second-most he’s had in a game since joining the Cubs’ organization as a 2021 first-round draft pick.

Stat to Know

This was the 2,000th game in the career of Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen is the fifth active player to play in at least 2,000 games, along with Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, Joey Votto and Elvis Andrus.

Noteworthy

• Ian Happ finished the game 1 for 4 with a double, two RBIs and a walk and has reached base in 55 consecutive starts against the Pirates.
• Hayes’ home run was his second leadoff homer of the season. The other one came on Apr. 15 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Hayes extended his hitting streak to five games while Joe extended his to six.
• Saturday’s game was nationally televised on FOX.
• Earlier on Saturday, the Pirates inducted four more members to their Hall of Fame — Elroy Face, Bob Friend, Dick Groat and Kent Tekulve.

Up Next

The Pirates (58-72) and Cubs (68-61) will wrap up their four-game series on Sunday afternoon. Bailey Falter (1-7, 4.53 ERA) will square off with Javier Assad (2-2, 3.13 ERA). First pitch: 1:35.