Pirates fall to Cubs 2-1 on June 15, 2025, as Michael Burrows' strong start is undone by a Dansby Swanson HR. See why the Bucs' bats couldn't deliver.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a story Pirates fans have seen too many times this season: brilliant pitching, a nail-biter of a game, and ultimately, not enough runs to get the job done. The Sunday finale at Wrigley Field was a classic heartbreaker, as the Bucs fell 2-1 to the Chicago Cubs in a tense duel where one swing of the bat made all the difference.
The Pirates' best chance came in the seventh when Andrew McCutchen, Nick Gonzales, and Ke'Bryan Hayes all singled, but the rally fizzled out, leaving fans to wonder 'what if?'
You couldn't have asked for much more from starter Michael Burrows. He was sharp, efficient, and kept the Cubs' bats quiet for most of the afternoon. But in the sixth inning, Dansby Swanson connected on a solo home run that would ultimately stand as the game-winner. That's the razor-thin margin for error this team is working with right now. The bullpen, including a solid appearance from Ryan Borucki, held the line, but the damage was done. The offense simply couldn't provide the support, failing to capitalize on their best chance in the seventh inning.
The offensive struggles are compounded by instability at a key position. The team officially moved catcher Endy Rodriguez to the 60-day injured list with elbow inflammation, confirming he'll be out until at least early August. With Joey Bart also sidelined, the catching duties fall squarely on the shoulders of Henry Davis. While Davis has shown flashes, this extended run as the undisputed number one is a massive test. The pressure is on for him to not only manage the pitching staff but also contribute to a lineup that desperately needs a spark. The corresponding roster move saw the Pirates claim and option Michael Darrell-Hicks, adding depth but underscoring the current thinness at the position.
While the big-league club searches for answers, hope continues to brew in the minors. Top prospect Griffin is turning heads with his elite athleticism and defensive versatility, splitting time between his natural shortstop position and the outfield. Coaches are raving about his work ethic and point to a spectacular diving catch in left-center as proof of his game-changing potential. This focus on developing dynamic, multi-positional athletes is crucial. The organization knows its strength lies in its pitching pipeline; the challenge, as demonstrated perfectly in today's loss, is building a consistent offense to match it. Players like Griffin represent the next wave of talent aimed at solving that very problem.
Losing a one-run game to a division rival always stings, especially when the pitching performs so admirably. The Pirates leave Chicago with a clear mandate: find a way to score. While the long-term health of the farm system and prospects like Griffin provide hope for tomorrow, the team needs to find solutions for today. The arms are giving them a chance every night; now it's up to the bats to answer the call.
