It looked like it was going to be another ugly game for the Chicago Cubs, another disappointing loss in a game they needed to have as the season is down to just over two weeks left.
Instead, after the Pirates put up four runs in the top of the first, the Cubs’ offense exploded for 17 runs in five innings, including five home runs, as the Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 17-8, on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Jon Lester, already coming off a rough start last time out against the Milwaukee Brewers, struggled again in the first inning.