Pirates rally late to beat Cubs in extra innings at Wrigley

Pittsburgh's José Ramírez delivers clutch hit in 11th to secure wild victory over Chicago

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:01am

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A vibrant, fragmented painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with players and the field broken down into angular, overlapping shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic extra-innings battle between the Pirates and Cubs at Wrigley Field.Today in Pittsburgh

In a back-and-forth affair at Wrigley Field, the Pittsburgh Pirates came from behind to defeat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in 11 innings on Saturday afternoon. The game featured several lead changes and dramatic moments, with Pirates third baseman José Ramírez delivering the game-winning hit in extra innings to secure the victory for his team.

Why it matters

This win was an important one for the Pirates, who are looking to build momentum and make a push for the playoffs this season. The resilience and grit shown by the team, especially Ramírez, will be key as they continue to battle in a competitive National League Central division.

The details

The Cubs jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning, but the Pirates responded with a pair of runs in the 5th to take the lead. Chicago tied it up in the 7th, and the game went to extra innings knotted at 3-3. In the 11th, Ramírez came through with a clutch RBI single to give the Pirates the lead, and the bullpen was able to close out the win.

  • The game took place on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
  • The Pirates took the lead with two runs in the top of the 5th inning.
  • The Cubs tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the 7th inning.
  • The game went to extra innings, with the score still tied 3-3 after 9 innings.
  • In the top of the 11th inning, José Ramírez delivered the game-winning hit for the Pirates.

The players

José Ramírez

The Pirates' third baseman, who came through with the game-winning hit in the 11th inning to secure the victory for his team.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The National League baseball team that rallied late to defeat the Chicago Cubs in extra innings at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Cubs

The National League baseball team that hosted the Pirates at Wrigley Field and held a lead late in the game before ultimately falling in extra innings.

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What they’re saying

“That was a gutsy performance by our guys. To come back like that and win it in extras shows the kind of fight and determination we have on this team.”

— Derek Shelton, Pirates Manager

What’s next

The Pirates will look to build on this momentum as they continue their series against the Cubs on Sunday. A win would give them a series victory and further boost their standing in the NL Central.

The takeaway

This thrilling extra-innings victory demonstrates the Pirates' resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The team's grit and determination, exemplified by Ramírez's clutch hit, will be crucial as they push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive National League.