Chicago Cubs to face Pittsburgh Pirates in series finale
Cubs and Pirates Conclude Series
The Chicago Cubs are set to play the Pittsburgh Pirates in the final game of their three-game series at PNC Park. The Cubs have an opportunity to secure a series victory in today’s matchup. The game is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET on July 26, 2026.
The Cubs’ bullpen has shown strong performance recently, recording 10 innings pitched, 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned run, 0 walks, and 12 strikeouts over the last three games, resulting in a 0.91 ERA and a 0.500 WHIP. Since June 10, the Cubs have maintained a 25-11 record, which is the best in the National League and places them half a game behind the Red Sox for the best record in MLB during that period.
The Cubs offense has also been productive, with an 11-run outburst on Saturday contributing to their season total of 534 runs, averaging 5.13 runs per game. This pace projects to 832 runs for the season, which would be their second-highest total since 1970, with 855 runs in 2008 being their highest in the last 56 years.
Pitching Matchup: Taillon vs. Ashcraft
The Cubs will start right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon, who previously played for the Pirates from 2016-19. Taillon returned to the Cubs after the All-Star Break following an injury layoff of over a month. In his last start, he pitched 4.1 innings, giving up five hits and four runs in an 8-6 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Taillon’s performance this year has been mixed. He has made six starts in day games with a 4.63 ERA and nine home runs in 35 innings, while in night games, he has made eight starts with a 6.08 ERA and 13 home runs in 37 innings. His last outing at PNC Park on May 27 saw him allow four runs in five innings, including two home runs, though the Cubs ultimately won that game 10-4. This will be Taillon’s third start against the Pirates this season, having previously pitched six innings on April 12 at Wrigley Field and five innings at PNC Park on May 26.
For the Pirates, All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft will take the mound for his second start since the All-Star Break. Ashcraft struggled in his most recent outing against the New York Yankees, pitching only three innings and surrendering nine hits and seven runs in an 8-5 loss at Yankee Stadium. He hopes to perform better at home, where his ERA is 3.68 compared to 4.21 away from home.
Ashcraft has faced the Cubs twice this year, recording a 1.59 ERA, 1.147 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts in 11.1 innings across those starts. However, since June 1, his performance has seen a decline, with a 6.05 ERA, 1.416 WHIP, and nine home runs allowed in 41.2 innings. His last start on July 20 against the Yankees saw him give up eight runs, seven of which were earned, in three innings, including two home runs.
Game Outlook
The weather forecast for the game indicates warm and dry conditions with light winds blowing out to right field. The over/under for the game is set at 8.5 runs. The Over has been a frequent outcome in recent meetings between these two teams, hitting in 7 of their last 10 head-to-head games.
The Cubs’ lineup has demonstrated patience at the plate, with an 11% walk rate over the past two weeks, which could challenge Ashcraft, who relies on chase pitches. Taillon’s fly-ball profile may be better suited for PNC Park, especially with Pete Crow-Armstrong patrolling center field. The Pirates’ corner outfield defense has a combined -8 Outs Above Average. The Pirates’ lineup, which tends to chase pitches, could also play into Taillon’s strengths.
The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and Sportsnet Pittsburgh, with radio coverage on KDKA AM/FM. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. ET.
The Cubs enter the game with a season record of 2-5 for Jameson Taillon and a 5.38 ERA. Braxton Ashcraft holds a 9-4 record with a 3.95 ERA for the Pirates.
Source: bleedcubbieblue.com
