Cubs Conquer Pirates in Series Opener in Pittsburgh

In the top of the fifth, the Cubs added two more runs in the same fashion. Nico Hoerner led off the inning with a double, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, on the hottest of hot streaks, connected on his sixth home run of the season to make it a 4-0 lead. 

In the same inning, the Cubs loaded the bases with a series of walks, but were unable to capitalize on the threat. 

In the top of the seventh, the extra-base hits prevailed once again. Ian Happ's eighth double of the season gave the Cubs a man in scoring position, and a Kyle Tucker single scored him in the next at-bat. The 5-0 lead was comfortable, but the Cubs weren't done. 

With Tucker on, Seiya Suzuki continued his incredible night, blasting his seventh home run into the night to make it a 7-0 lead. 

In the top of the eighth, the Cubs added a few more insurance runs. Dansby Swanson showed Craig Counsell how he felt about his demotion in the lineup, smacking his fifth home run of the season. The Cubs added further in the ninth, with Suzuki's triple leading to a RBI single for Carson Kelly. 

Shota Imanaga's Removal

In the top of the sixth, Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga was removed from his outing after five-plus innings. Later, it was revealed that Imanaga was dealing with cramps. Ideally, he shouldn't miss his next start. 

With Justin Steele already done for the season, the Cubs can not afford to lose Imanaga for any amount of time. Knowing cramps were the culprit for Imanaga's premature departure, he should be fine for his next start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Worst case scenario, recently-recalled Chris Flexen could spot start to give Imanaga extra rest. 

What's On Tap Next?

Matthew Boyd takes the bump for the Cubs on Wednesday, with a chance to secure at minimum a series win in Pittsburgh. First pitch is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. CT.