Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones allowed one run over six dominant innings, but the offense managed little support in a 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, according to game reports. Dansby Swanson drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning off reliever Yohan Ramirez, scoring Ian Happ before a subsequent bases-loaded walk sealed the outcome.
Jared Jones Extends July Dominance With Season-High Pitch Count
Jones cruised through six frames, extending a strong stretch of pitching through the month of July, according to team coverage. The right-hander permitted just two hits—both to Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who doubled in the third and hit a solo home run on a 3-1 slider left over the middle in the sixth.
Did you know? Jared Jones lowered his July ERA to 1.29 over 21 innings following his six-inning outing against the Chicago Cubs, leaning primarily on a mix of fastballs and sliders before introducing his changeup and curveball in the fourth inning.
Missed Opportunities and Baserunning Mistakes Stall Pirates Offense
The Pirates struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, going 3 for 10 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight runners on base while failing to record an extra-base hit. Henry Davis went 2 for 3 with an RBI but was thrown out twice at the plate, including a seventh-inning attempt where Ian Happ delivered a precise throw from left field. Pirates manager Don Kelly acknowledged the execution errors, stating that the team simply has to play better baseball.
In the fifth inning, the Pirates manufactured their first run without a ball leaving the infield. Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd issued walks to Marcell Ozuna and Brandon Lowe before Jared Triolo bunted safely for a hit. Davis followed with a soft ground ball between first and second base for an RBI. Boyd pitched seven innings, surrendering seven hits and three walks while striking out four batters.
Bullpen Battle Decides Extra Innings at PNC Park
Relievers Wilber Dotel, Mason Montgomery, and Gregory Soto combined for scoreless relief appearances following Jones’ exit. Dotel worked around contact in his frame, while Montgomery struck out the side in the eighth inning. In the 10th, after the Pirates intentionally walked Crow-Armstrong to load the bases, Kelly explained that Ramirez faced difficulties against left-handed hitters, prompting the strategy to pitch to Seiya Suzuki, who drew the game-winning walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jared Jones’ final stat line against the Cubs?
Jared Jones pitched six innings, allowing one run on two hits with a season-high 83 pitches, according to game reports.
Who drove in the winning run for the Chicago Cubs?
Dansby Swanson hit a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning, and Seiya Suzuki drew a bases-loaded walk to secure the 3-2 victory.
Who is scheduled to pitch in the next game of the series?
Right-hander Paul Skenes is slated to start for the Pirates against Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga in the second game of the series.
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