In a thrilling turn of events on Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs mounted an improbable comeback to secure a 14-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs' offense surged, scoring 11 consecutive unanswered runs to overcome a daunting 10-3 deficit through the first six innings.
A Historic Comeback
The remarkable rally by the Cubs made them the first team since the 2019 San Diego Padres to overturn a seven-plus-run deficit in the seventh inning or later. This feat places the Cubs' performance in a rare category of stunning recoveries, adding a remarkable chapter to their storied history.
The standout performer of the day was Christian Bethancourt, who joined the Cubs organization on July 5. Bethancourt dazzled with a remarkable 3-for-5 performance at the plate, driving in seven runs and falling just a triple short of hitting for the cycle. In doing so, he became only the sixth Cubs catcher since 1901 to plate seven or more runs in a single game, joining the distinguished ranks of catchers like Willson Contreras and Geovany Soto.
Pirates' Pitching Falls Apart
The Cubs' offensive explosion largely took place after Pirates starter Paul Skenes was pulled at the start of the sixth inning. Skenes, who was pitching in his third game against the Cubs in his brief major league career, looked strong early on but watched helplessly from the sidelines as his bullpen imploded.
Veteran relievers Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar bore the brunt of the Cubs' offensive onslaught. Combined, Chapman and Bednar surrendered eight earned runs on six hits and five walks, managing to record just five outs between them. Their struggles epitomized a bullpen meltdown that opened the door for the Cubs' unlikely victory.
Chicago Sets Another Milestone
Wednesday's victory marked Chicago's fifth instance in the last 50 years of securing 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, illustrating the Cubs' remarkable resilience in dire situations.
This latest triumph also offered a much-needed boost as the Cubs continue their push in the standings. With an off day scheduled for Thursday, the team has a brief moment to savor their win before gearing up for a weekend series against the Washington Nationals. Following this, the Cubs will face the Pirates once more in a three-game set next week, which will conclude their season series.
For now, the Cubs can bask in the glory of an unforgettable comeback, buoyed by the stellar performance of Christian Bethancourt and a relentless team effort that refused to accept defeat.