April 12, 2026 | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL | 1:20 PM CT | Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs (5–9, four games under .500) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (8–6, two games over .500) in the series finale at Wrigley Field this afternoon. We’re four games under .500 and trying to avoid losing the series at home. They’re 8–6 and trying to leave Wrigley with a series win.
The Pirates have Oneil Cruz—freakish power who’s been killing us. Ke’Bryan Hayes is elite defensively. Bryan Reynolds provides consistency. Jared Jones is a promising young starter. They’re young, athletic, and trying to take the series at our place.
We have Ben Brown on the mound—young righty with strikeout potential. Jackson Merrill at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. We need to protect Wrigley and salvage something from this series.
For Cubs fans, this is the series finale—we can’t let them leave Wrigley with a series win.
Where the Cubs Stand at 5–9
Current Record: 5–9 (Four Games Under .500)
We’re four games under .500 after going 78–84 last year. This has been a rough homestand. Tyler Glasnow has been solid. Jackson Merrill is steady. Pete Crow-Armstrong shows flashes. Now Ben Brown gets the series finale at Wrigley.
Key Players:
- Ben Brown (RHP): Young righty with strikeout potential, gets the series finale
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Steady bat, needs to get on base
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense, needs offensive contributions
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Has shown flashes early
- Matt Shaw (INF): Contributing consistently
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
We’re 5–9. Win at Wrigley and we’re 6–9, three games under .500. At least don’t get swept at home.
The Pittsburgh Pirates: 8–6 and Going for the Series
Current Record: 8–6
The Pirates are two games over .500 and trying to take the series at Wrigley. Oneil Cruz has been a nightmare—freakish power-speed that’s killed us. Ke’Bryan Hayes is elite defensively. Bryan Reynolds is consistent. Jared Jones is a promising starter getting the finale.
Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz (SS): Freakish power-speed combo, been dominating us
- Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B): Elite defender with developing offense
- Jared Jones (RHP): Promising young starter, series finale at Wrigley
The Strength:
- Cruz’s explosive bat (has killed us)
- Hayes’ elite defense
- Reynolds’ consistency
The Pirates are 8–6 and trying to win the series at our place.
The Matchups That Matter in the Finale
| Position | Cubs | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pitcher | Ben Brown | Jared Jones |
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Oneil Cruz |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Bryan Reynolds |
Ben Brown vs Jared Jones
Both young starters with potential. Brown has strikeout ability. Jones has poise. Should be competitive at Wrigley.
Jackson Merrill vs Oneil Cruz at Shortstop
Merrill is steady. Cruz is a freak who’s been dominating us. Cruz has been the difference this series.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Bryan Reynolds in Center
PCA has elite defense. Reynolds is consistent. Reynolds has been steady while PCA hasn’t contributed enough offensively.
What the Cubs Need at Wrigley
Ben Brown Limits Walks
Young righty with strikeouts against Cruz and the Pirates’ power. Limit walks, keep the ball down, give us six innings.
Jackson Merrill Gets on Base
Steady bat needs to create scoring opportunities. Set the table at Wrigley.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Defense AND Offense
Elite defense saves runs. But we need offensive contributions in the series finale. Both sides of the ball.
Protect Wrigley
We’re 5–9. They’re trying to win the series at our place. Don’t let them leave Wrigley with a series win.
What Pittsburgh Will Bring
Oneil Cruz will look for more freakish power displays—he’s been killing us. Ke’Bryan Hayes will make elite defensive plays. Bryan Reynolds will provide consistent hitting. Jared Jones will try to dominate at Wrigley in the finale.
The Pirates are 8–6 and confident trying to take the series.
Cubs Fan Prediction: We Protect Wrigley
Final Score: Cubs 6, Pirates 5
Ben Brown battles at Wrigley—six innings, three runs, shows his strikeout potential. Jared Jones is solid but gives up five runs.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-4, gets on base, creates opportunities. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight catch AND drives in two. The Wrigley crowd gets loud.
Oneil Cruz goes 2-for-4 with another bomb, showing his freakish power. But we edge them in the series finale at home.
We’re 6–9. Three games under .500. Split the series 2-2 at Wrigley.
Why This Series Finale Matters
We’re 5–9, four games under .500. The Pirates are 8–6 and trying to win the series at Wrigley.
We can’t let them leave our place with a series win. Protect Wrigley. Split the series 2-2.
Can Ben Brown give us quality innings? Will Pete Crow-Armstrong contribute offensively? Can we salvage something from this homestand?
We went 78–84 last year. The Brewers won the Central at 86–76. Every home game matters.
Go Cubs Go!!!