Cubs Rally Late to Avoid Sweep Against Pirates

Jameson Taillon and Michael Busch turn frustration into triumph in comeback win.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:07pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with the players and field broken down into bold, angular shapes and vibrant colors, capturing the raw energy and drama of the action.The Cubs' dramatic comeback victory over the Pirates was a testament to the team's resilience and character.Chicago Today

The Cubs fell behind early, trailing the Pirates 5-0 after just two innings. Starter Jameson Taillon struggled with his command, giving up a grand slam to Brandon Lowe. But Taillon settled in, and the Cubs chipped away at the lead, finally tying the game in the 9th on a clutch hit by the struggling Michael Busch. The Cubs went on to win in walk-off fashion, avoiding a sweep at home.

Why it matters

The comeback win was a big morale boost for the Cubs, who had lost ground in the division race. It also highlighted the resilience of the team, as they were able to overcome a large early deficit against a division rival. The performance of Taillon and Busch were particularly noteworthy, as they were able to turn frustration into triumph.

The details

The Cubs fell behind early, with Taillon giving up a leadoff homer to Oneill Cruz and then a grand slam to Brandon Lowe in the 2nd inning. But Taillon settled in, retiring 8 straight batters at one point and finishing with 10 strikeouts. Meanwhile, the Cubs offense chipped away, getting solo homers from two players to make it a one-run game. In the 9th, the struggling Michael Busch came through with a game-tying bloop single, and the Cubs went on to win it in walk-off fashion, avoiding the sweep.

  • Taillon gave up a leadoff homer to Oneill Cruz on the 3rd pitch of the game.
  • Taillon gave up a grand slam to Brandon Lowe in the 2nd inning, putting the Cubs down 5-0.
  • Busch's game-tying single came in the 9th inning.

The players

Jameson Taillon

The Cubs starting pitcher, who struggled early but settled in to keep the team in the game.

Michael Busch

The Cubs first baseman, who snapped out of a 0-for-30 slump with a clutch game-tying hit in the 9th inning.

Brandon Lowe

The Pirates slugger who hit a grand slam to give his team an early 5-0 lead.

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What they’re saying

“It's been pretty frustrating. I think I've built a solid enough foundation to kind of try to get back and try to just continue to work. I think balancing that through the season is challenging, and it always will be, but sometimes, it's part of this game.”

— Michael Busch, Cubs First Baseman

“To be honest, I wasn't aware of the 0-for-30. He's so steady mentally. It's not like he's in a woe-is-me attitude or anything. He's just working. He's being himself. Still a pleasure to play with and be around. I really had no clue until I heard the broadcast say it. He's super easy to root for. Great guy.”

— Jameson Taillon, Cubs Pitcher

What’s next

The Cubs will look to build on this comeback win as they face a tough upcoming slate of games.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the resilience and character of the Cubs team, as they were able to overcome a large early deficit against a division rival. The performances of Taillon and Busch, in particular, showed the team's ability to turn frustration into triumph.