Cubs' Michael Busch delivers clutch pinch-hit to spark comeback win

Busch's game-tying single in the 8th inning helps Cubs rally from 5-0 deficit against Pirates

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with the players and field broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in bright, contrasting colors.Busch's pinch-hit heroics help the Cubs mount a dramatic comeback against their NL Central rivals.Chicago Today

After being benched to take a mental break from his 0-for-30 slump, Cubs outfielder Michael Busch came through with a clutch two-run single in the 8th inning to tie the game and spark a comeback victory over the Pirates. The hit was a much-needed boost for Busch and the struggling Cubs offense, which had been held in check for most of the game.

Why it matters

Busch's hit was a potential turning point for the Cubs, who had gotten off to a disappointing 7-8 start to the season and were in danger of being swept at home by the Pirates. The team's offense had been sputtering, so Busch's timely contribution could help get the lineup going and build momentum.

The details

With the Cubs down 5-0 in the 2nd inning, Busch pinch-hit in the 8th with two runners on base and delivered a game-tying two-run single to erase the team's 0-for-7 performance with runners in scoring position. The hit shifted the win probability in the Cubs' favor, and they went on to win 7-6 on a walk-off single in the 9th.

  • Busch was out of the lineup on Sunday to take a mental break from his 0-for-30 slump that dated back to April 1.
  • Busch's game-tying single came in the 8th inning on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Michael Busch

A Cubs outfielder who was in a prolonged 0-for-30 slump before delivering a clutch pinch-hit single to spark his team's comeback win.

Matt Shaw

The Cubs player Busch pinch-hit for in the 8th inning.

Carson Kelly

The Cubs player who hit the walk-off single in the 9th inning to complete the comeback win.

Jameson Taillon

The Cubs pitcher who went 6 innings despite getting battered early, keeping the team in the game.

Craig Counsell

The Cubs manager who decided to give Busch a mental break by sitting him before his key pinch-hit appearance.

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What they’re saying

“The thing I remind myself a lot is no matter the ups, no matter the downs, you just keep working, keep focusing on things that you want to focus on when it comes to either your swing or defensively, or your approach. Holding strong to some of those things, and just kind of keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

— Michael Busch, Cubs Outfielder

“Our position players stayed really, really engaged. All game they were just super into it, so they were encouraging me the entire time, and every time I'd come off the field, they were like, stay right there, keep us there. So in a weird way, it felt like a game we were going to win and come back from.”

— Jameson Taillon, Cubs Pitcher

“I think it let's you take a big exhale. It doesn't give you anything tomorrow or the next day, but again, it lets you take a big exhale and you contribute to a win. And that, for every guy in there, you desperately want to do that.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will look to build on Busch's clutch hit and carry the momentum from their comeback win into their next series against the Brewers, starting on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Busch's resilience and timely contribution during his slump exemplifies the Cubs' team-first mentality, which has helped them weather a rocky start to the season. If Busch and the offense can get going, the Cubs could quickly turn things around and become a force in the NL Central.