In a stunning display of resilience and tenacity, the Chicago Cubs orchestrated a remarkable comeback to overcome the Pittsburgh Pirates 14-10 on Wednesday. The win wasn't just about the scoreline; it was a monumental performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Cubs' comeback: An Offensive Showcase
Trailing by a sizable 10-3 deficit through the first six innings, the Cubs' chances of victory seemed bleak. But what transpired next was nothing short of extraordinary. The Cubs' offense ignited, scoring 11 consecutive unanswered runs to clinch the win. This incredible rally made them the first team since the 2019 San Diego Padres to overturn a deficit of seven or more runs in the seventh inning or later.
Bethancourt Shines in Cubs Debut
One of the standout performers of the night was Christian Bethancourt, who had recently joined the Cubs organization on July 5. In only a short span, Bethancourt made a significant impact with a stellar 3-for-5 performance at the plate, driving in an astonishing seven runs. He came tantalizingly close to hitting for the cycle, missing only a triple. His exceptional night at the plate made him the sixth Cubs catcher since 1901 to deliver seven or more RBIs in a single game.
Pitching Struggles for the Pirates
The Pirates’ woes began to unravel after starter Paul Skenes was pulled at the start of the sixth inning. Skenes, pitching his third game against the Cubs in his major league career, had kept the Cubs relatively in check until his departure. However, the bullpen imploded in his absence. Relievers Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar were unable to stem the tide, combining to surrender eight earned runs on six hits and five walks. The duo managed to record just five outs between them, failing to provide the stability needed to secure the win.
A Historic Victory
Wednesday's victory was not just another win for the Cubs; it marked their fifth instance in the last 50 years of securing a win when trailing by seven or more runs 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 unique resilience embedded within the Cubs' DNA.
With this electrifying win, the Cubs have set a high bar for their upcoming matchups. They will face the Pirates once more in a three-game set next week, where undoubtedly, both teams will be eager to make their mark. As this memorable game demonstrated, the unpredictable nature of baseball always holds the promise of thrilling comebacks and unforgettable moments.