In a dramatic display of resilience and firepower, the Chicago Cubs pulled off a stunning comeback to clinch a 14-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. The Cubs' offense kicked into high gear, scoring an impressive 11 consecutive unanswered runs to erase a daunting 10-3 deficit sustained through the first six innings.
Such a rally places the Cubs in rarefied company, as they become the first team since the 2019 San Diego Padres to overhaul a seven-plus-run deficit in the seventh inning or later. This remarkable feat is not only a testament to the Cubs' tenacity but also highlights their offensive prowess, especially given the contributions from recent acquisition Christian Bethancourt.
Bethancourt's Stellar Performance
Joining the Cubs' ranks on July 5, Christian Bethancourt had an unforgettable performance, going 3-for-5 at the plate and driving in seven runs. He fell just a triple short of hitting for the cycle. His exceptional contributions made him the sixth Cubs catcher since 1901 to plate seven or more runs in a single game, cementing his impact on the team's successful rally.
Bethancourt's dynamism at bat was a game-changer for the Cubs, particularly in the later innings when the team needed a jolt of energy to claw back into contention.
Pitching Collapse Fuels Cubs' Rally
The Cubs’ offensive surge largely began after the Pirates' starting pitcher, Paul Skenes, exited at the start of the sixth inning. Skenes, who was making his third appearance against the Cubs in his major league career, had managed to keep the Cubs at bay until that point. However, the tide turned rapidly when relievers Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar took to the mound.
Together, Chapman and Bednar surrendered eight earned runs on six hits and five walks, demonstrating a rare struggle that undermined the Pirates' previously strong position. The duo managed to record just five outs between them, paving the way for the Cubs' relentless comeback.
A Historic Comeback
Wednesday's victory marks the fifth time in the last 50 years that Chicago has secured a win when facing a seven-plus-run deficit in the seventh inning or later. No other Major League Baseball team has matched this number of such comebacks over the same period, highlighting the Cubs' unique resilience in the face of daunting odds.
The win is not just significant for the record books but also sets a positive tone for the Cubs as they look ahead to their upcoming three-game set against the Pirates next week.
As the Cubs bask in the glow of this improbable victory, the resilience and offensive firepower displayed serves as a promising example of what this team can achieve when firing on all cylinders.