Pirates fall to Cubs 5-2 on June 12 as Heaney struggles. Despite the loss, David Bednar remains perfect and Don Kelly's new approach shows promise for Pittsburgh.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a frustrating start to a crucial series in Chicago, as the Pittsburgh Pirates dropped the opener to the Cubs 5-2. A tough outing for starter Andrew Heaney and quiet bats were the story of the night, but beyond the box score, a different narrative is taking shape—one of renewed focus under manager Don Kelly and a future that's getting brighter by the day.
David Bednar has now converted all nine of his save chances this season after blowing seven of 30 last year.
The friendly confines of Wrigley Field were anything but for the Pirates on Thursday. Starter Andrew Heaney couldn't find his rhythm, getting tagged for four earned runs on seven hits over 5.1 innings. The big blow came on a two-run homer by Seiya Suzuki in the third, and the Cubs never looked back. The offense, a key focus under the team's new leadership, managed little against the Cubs' pitching, with Bryan Reynolds' two-run double in the sixth accounting for all the team's scoring. While the bullpen was a silver lining with 2.2 scoreless innings, it wasn't enough to spark a comeback.
While the start was rocky, the end of games remains a fortress for the Bucs, thanks to David Bednar. The closer, who locked down his ninth save on Wednesday, is in the midst of a truly dominant stretch. He's now rattled off eight consecutive scoreless appearances, converting every single save opportunity this season. His resurgence has been a critical anchor for a team seeking stability.
Even in a loss, the fingerprints of new manager Don Kelly are becoming more visible. Since taking over in May, Kelly has instilled a philosophy dubbed 'Donnieball,' which prioritizes fundamentals and a cohesive team approach. Players have praised the positive culture and clear direction, and while the results aren't always there on a nightly basis, the team is showing a fight and identity that feels different. The focus is on building a sustainable winning process, not just chasing one-off wins.
The optimism isn't just confined to the major league clubhouse. Down on the farm, the future is knocking loudly. Top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler is making a strong case for a call-up, dominating Triple-A with a 2.17 ERA and 56 strikeouts in just 37.1 innings. The Pirates are carefully managing his workload, but his arrival in Pittsburgh seems more a matter of 'when,' not 'if.' Further down the pipeline, 19-year-old Konnor Griffin, the team's No. 2 prospect, is tearing up High-A with his dynamic athleticism and hot bat, proving the talent pipeline is stocked for years to come.
One loss in Chicago stings, but it doesn't define the direction of this team. The immediate challenge is to bounce back and salvage this series against a division rival. But looking ahead, the combination of Kelly's steady leadership, Bednar's lockdown reliability, and the imminent arrival of impact talent like Bubba Chandler gives fans every reason to believe that nights like this will soon be the exception, not the rule.
