Cubs 3, Pirates 2: Defensive gems, a Pete Crow-Armstrong homer, and Matthew Boyd's pitching

The Chicago Cubs started their road trip with a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Friday night. Offense was limited, as the team managed only six hits and three walks while striking out 11 times. Despite these struggles, the outcome favored the Cubs because of strong play in the field and effective work from the pitching staff.

Matthew Boyd provided a reliable presence on the mound, delivering seven innings of work and allowing only one run while striking out four batters. His performance kept the game close when the offense struggled to find momentum early in the contest. The defensive unit supported Boyd throughout his outing, specifically in the third and seventh innings where key plays stopped potential rallies by the Pirates.

Pete Crow-Armstrong sparked the offense with his 22nd home run of the season in the sixth inning. The game remained deadlocked until the 10th inning, when the Cubs capitalized on their opportunities to score two runs. Dansby Swanson delivered a key hit during the frame, and a bases-loaded walk by Seiya Suzuki provided the necessary cushion to take a 3-2 lead.

Gavin Hollowell handled the save in the bottom of the 10th, securing the win despite the Pirates advancing their placed runner to third base. This victory moves the Cubs within six games of the division lead and marks a successful start to their trip through Pittsburgh. The teams meet again on Saturday with Shōta Imanaga set to take the mound against Paul Skenes.