Recap: Cubs fall to Pirates 2-1 in 10 innings on June 14. Despite Cade Horton's masterful start against Paul Skenes, the offense went silent, raising questions.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a script Cubs fans have seen too many times this season. A brilliant pitching performance, a nail-biting atmosphere at Wrigley Field, and ultimately, an offense that couldn't deliver the one big hit. The Cubs fell 2-1 to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 10 innings on Saturday, a loss that felt less like a single game and more like a flashing neon sign pointing to the team's most glaring needs as the trade deadline approaches.
The Cubs bullpen has posted an MLB-best 0.82 ERA over the last 24 games, yet late-inning struggles continue to highlight the need for reinforcements.
The game was a classic pitchers' duel that had the Wrigley faithful on edge. Rookie Cade Horton was masterful, tossing 5 2/3 shutout innings and looking every bit the part of a future ace. On the other side, Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes was just as dominant, blanking the Cubs through five frames. The North Siders' only run came in the 8th on a Dansby Swanson fielder's choice, a manufactured run that felt like a monumental achievement. But the offense, held to just six hits, couldn't break through, exemplified by Ian Happ being gunned down at the plate in the 5th. The game ultimately slipped away in the 10th when Isiah Kiner-Falefa's sacrifice fly off Drew Pomeranz proved to be the difference.
This loss underscores a troubling trend. Over their last 10 games, the Cubs are averaging a paltry 3.1 runs per game. While individual players are finding some success—Seiya Suzuki is on a six-game hitting streak and Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the team with 18 homers—the collective offense has been stagnant. This puts immense pressure on a pitching staff already battered by injuries. With Justin Steele out for the year and both Shōta Imanaga and Javier Assad still on the shelf, the margin for error is razor-thin. When the bats can't provide a cushion, every pitch feels like a high-wire act.
The front office isn't sitting idle. President Jed Hoyer has publicly stated that acquiring pitching is the team's top priority ahead of the trade deadline. Reports suggest the Cubs are prepared to be aggressive in bolstering both the rotation and the bullpen. Despite the bullpen's incredible 0.82 ERA over the last 24 games, losses like Saturday's show that a shutdown reliever for the highest-leverage moments is still a critical need. Hoyer knows the current formula isn't sustainable for a deep playoff run.
Fortunately, the Cubs have the assets to make a significant move. Even after acquiring Kyle Tucker in a deal that sent away top prospect Cam Smith, the farm system remains one of baseball's best. With seven players still ranked in MLB's Top 100 prospects, the Cubs are tied for the most in the league. Farm director Jason Kanzler noted that many of the prospects at Double-A and Triple-A are big-league ready, making them valuable chips in any potential trade negotiations. This organizational depth is the key that could unlock a championship-caliber roster.
Saturday's loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but it served as a perfect diagnosis of what ails this team. The starting pitching, even with rookies stepping up, is excellent. The bullpen is statistically dominant but fragile in key moments. The offense is simply not producing. With a war chest of top prospects and a clear mandate from the front office, the next few weeks will be crucial. All eyes are on Jed Hoyer to see if he can acquire the reinforcements needed to turn these heartbreaking losses into crucial wins and salvage a season that still holds promise.
