The Cubs got their series against the Pirates underway at PNC Park Monday on Roberto Clemente night. Chicago went on top early and the pitching did good work as the road team picked up a shutout win.
The North Siders got the scoring going with a pair of runs against Braxton Ashcraft in the top of the 3rd inning. Michael Busch hit a solo homer and Nico Hoerner came home on a wild pitch after back-to-back singles for a 2-0 edge.
Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled, stole third, and came into score on an RBI two-base hit by Dansby Swanson to increase the Cubs’ advantage to 3-0 in the 4th.