The Pittsburgh Pirates are seeking to build on their recent success against the Chicago Cubs, eyeing a significant series win. After a challenging 2025 season where they struggled against their division rivals, the Pirates appear to be a rejuvenated squad this year. The momentum from last season's managerial change, which saw Don Kelly take the helm, has clearly carried over. The Cubs, however, are grappling with offensive inconsistencies, placing a spotlight on their pitching staff as they attempt to even the series.
Pittsburgh Pirates Pursue Series Win Against Chicago Cubs
On Saturday afternoon, April 11th, 2026, the Pittsburgh Pirates will challenge the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in the second game of their three-game series. The Pirates, coming off a decisive 2-0 victory in the opener on Friday, are determined to secure a rare series win against their National League Central rivals, a feat they failed to achieve in 2025, where they went 3-10 against the Cubs. Manager Don Kelly expressed enthusiasm for the team's renewed focus, stating, "We're just looking to get after it tomorrow again. Any win you can get in Chicago against the Cubs at Wrigley is a special one."
For the Pirates, right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (1-1, 2.25 ERA) is slated to start. The 26-year-old has been in stellar form, allowing only three runs across 12 innings in his first two starts of the season. His previous outing on Sunday, April 5th, 2026, against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park, saw him concede merely one run over six frames while striking out eight in an 8-2 win. Ashcraft, who faced the Cubs three times in his rookie season (0-1, 3.27 ERA), emphasized his focus on efficiency: "As a starting pitcher, you're trying to go six, seven innings every time you go out there. Being able to get the ball on the ground or get weak contact is the most important piece of that."
The Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, are keen to rebound after being shut out for the second time this season on Friday. Their offense struggled, leaving 11 runners on base and going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. A key concern is shortstop Dansby Swanson, whose batting average has dipped to .140 this season. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the team's offensive woes, remarking, "We've got a couple guys that are not feeling it right now at the plate... Dansby is going to be streaky, and we're going to need production there. He'll get going."
Pitching for the Cubs will be offseason acquisition Edward Cabrera (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Cabrera, acquired from the Miami Marlins in January 2026, has been outstanding, throwing 11 2/3 scoreless innings across two appearances. In his last start, he allowed just one hit over 5 2/3 innings in a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Cabrera, accustomed to less fervent fan bases during his five years with the Marlins, is embracing the energy of Wrigley Field and the heightened expectations of his new team. "The emotions definitely are different," Cabrera noted, contrasting his experiences in Miami and Chicago. "There is a big difference between the fan bases and the number of fans we had in Miami." He holds a career record of 0-1 with a 2.35 ERA in two starts against the Pirates.
The upcoming game highlights the contrasting narratives of two teams early in their season. For the Pirates, it's an opportunity to solidify their newfound strength and prove their mettle against a division rival. For the Cubs, it's a chance to ignite their struggling offense and leverage their promising new pitcher to regain momentum. This matchup underscores the inherent unpredictability and excitement of baseball, where a single game can shift the trajectory of a season and reshape team morale.
