Cubs' late rally falls short in extra-inning loss to Pirates

Chicago mounts comeback in 9th but can't overcome errant throw in 11th

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of green, blue, and brown, representing the action and movement of a baseball game.A fragmented, cubist depiction of the dramatic final innings of the Cubs-Pirates game, capturing the tension and energy of the late-inning comeback attempt.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs mounted a late comeback against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, tying the game 3-3 in the 9th inning. But an errant throw by Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar in the 11th inning allowed the Pirates to score the winning run and hand the Cubs a frustrating extra-inning loss at Wrigley Field.

Why it matters

The loss is a tough one for the Cubs, who have struggled offensively at times this season and were unable to capitalize on their late-game rally. It highlights the team's continued challenges in close, low-scoring games against divisional opponents.

The details

The Cubs fell behind 3-0 early, with Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft holding them in check for much of the game. But Chicago rallied in the 9th, with Dansby Swanson and Carson Kelly drawing walks to set up an RBI single by Alex Bregman that tied the game. In the 11th, however, Thielbar's errant throw on a comebacker allowed the winning run to score for Pittsburgh.

  • The Cubs mounted their comeback in the bottom of the 9th inning.
  • The game-deciding play occurred in the top of the 11th inning.

The players

Caleb Thielbar

A veteran left-handed reliever for the Cubs who made the costly throwing error in the 11th inning.

Alex Bregman

The Cubs' third baseman who drove in the tying run with an RBI single in the 9th inning.

Braxton Ashcraft

The Pirates' starting pitcher who held the Cubs' offense in check for much of the game.

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What they’re saying

“We battled back and gave ourselves a chance, but that's a tough one to swallow. We have to find a way to finish these close games.”

— David Ross, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs and Pirates will wrap up their series on Sunday, with the Cubs looking to avoid the sweep and get back on track after this tough extra-inning loss.

The takeaway

This loss is a frustrating one for the Cubs, who showed fight to rally late but ultimately couldn't overcome their own mistakes. It's a reminder that the team still has work to do to consistently win close, low-scoring games against divisional opponents.