Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/22/22): Cubs 14, Pirates 5 – Cubs Sink Pirates in Second Inning

The Cubs were able to turn the tables on the Pirates at PNC Park Wednesday by routing them after two lopsided losses to open the series. The offense scored early and often especially in a seven-run 2nd inning that iced the game.

Jerad Eickhoff made his Pirate debut on the mound and it did not go well. He loaded the bases in the 2nd and hit Alfonso Rivas to force in the first run of the game. Rafael Ortega followed with a two-run double to center and Patrick Wisdom singled home two more.

Ian Happ topped off the big frame with a two-run home run to make it 7-0. Wisdom hit his second home run in two nights in the 4th and Nico Hoerner would add run number 10 on a sacrifice fly in the 5th.

That cushion was more than enough for Keegan Thompson who gave up just a solo home run in six excellent innings of work on Wednesday. Catcher Diego Castillo came on to pitch the 9th inning for the Pirates and surrendered a grand slam to Rivas as the Cubs coasted to a 14-5 victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Whenever the opposing starting pitcher gives up 10 runs the chances of winning are pretty good.

Key Moment

Bryan Reynolds tripled with one out in the bottom of the 1st and Thompson was able to get two outs without the run scoring.

Stats That Matter

• This makes two quality starts in a row for Keegan Thompson: 6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 7 K, and 1 BB.
• Ortega had three hits and has been very good of late.
• Wisdom shows how quickly he can heat up after a month of really bad baseball.
• Reliever David Robertson got his first career at-bat against Castillo in the final inning, striking out on a 51-mile-an-hour floater.

Bottom Line

It was nice to see the Cubs actually win a laugher for a change. The best future development for Chicago was another quality start for Keegan Thompson. If he could become a viable starter it would be a big boost.

On Deck

The Cubs look to split the series Thursday afternoon at 11:35am CT. It is a battle of left-handed pitchers as Justin Steele takes on old buddy Jose Quintana in a game broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.