Busch ends 0-for-30 slide with tying single, Cubs overcome 5-run deficit to beat Pirates 7-6

Michael Busch's pinch-hit single in the 8th inning helped the Cubs rally from a 5-run deficit to beat the Pirates.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in fragmented, overlapping planes of color, capturing the energy and movement of the Cubs' comeback victory.The Cubs' dramatic rally from a 5-run deficit showcases their resilience and ability to overcome adversity on the diamond.Chicago Today

Michael Busch ended an 0-for-30 slide with a tying, two-run single in the eighth inning and Carson Kelly had a winning single in the ninth as the Chicago Cubs overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-6 on Sunday. Brandon Lowe hit a grand slam and a solo homer for the Pirates, but the Cubs rallied with solo homers by Dansby Swanson and Moisés Ballesteros and Busch's pinch-hit single to tie the game in the 8th before Kelly's walk-off hit in the 9th.

Why it matters

The Cubs' comeback win from a 5-run deficit shows their resilience and ability to rally late in games, which will be important as they look to contend in the NL Central this season. The loss is a tough one for the Pirates, who had built a big lead but were unable to hold on.

The details

The Pirates jumped out to a 5-0 lead behind home runs from Brandon Lowe (grand slam, solo) and Oneil Cruz. The Cubs chipped away with solo homers from Dansby Swanson and Moisés Ballesteros to make it 6-2. Busch, who had been 0-for-30, came through with a pinch-hit, two-run single in the 8th to tie the game at 6-6. In the 9th, Michael Conforto doubled and Carson Kelly drove in the winning run with a single.

  • Lowe hit a grand slam in the 3rd inning.
  • Lowe hit a solo homer in the 5th inning to make it 6-2 Pirates.
  • Busch's tying, two-run single came in the 8th inning.
  • Kelly's walk-off single came in the 9th inning.

The players

Michael Busch

A Chicago Cubs player who ended an 0-for-30 slide with a tying, two-run single in the 8th inning to help the Cubs rally.

Carson Kelly

The Chicago Cubs player who hit the game-winning single in the 9th inning to complete the comeback.

Brandon Lowe

The Pittsburgh Pirates player who hit a grand slam and a solo home run to give the Pirates an early 5-0 lead.

Dansby Swanson

The Chicago Cubs player who hit a solo home run to help the Cubs start their comeback.

Moisés Ballesteros

The Chicago Cubs player who also hit a solo home run to contribute to the Cubs' comeback.

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What they’re saying

“We never give up, no matter the score. This team has a lot of fight in them.”

— Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs Player

What’s next

The Cubs will look to build on this comeback win as they continue their series against the Pirates, while the Pirates will try to bounce back from the tough loss.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Cubs' resilience and ability to rally late, as well as the Pirates' struggles to hold onto big leads. It was an exciting comeback win for the Cubs that could provide momentum as they aim to contend in the NL Central.