April 10, 2026 | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL | 1:20 PM CT | Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs (5–7) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (6–6) at Wrigley Field this afternoon. We’re two games under .500 after a tough stretch. They’re .500 with a young roster trying to compete in the NL Central.
The Pirates have Oneil Cruz—freakish power-speed combo at shortstop. Ke’Bryan Hayes is elite defensively at third. Mitch Keller is their staff ace. They’re young, athletic, and competitive.
We have Jameson Taillon on the mound—veteran presence. Jackson Merrill at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. We’re trying to bounce back and get back to .500 at home.
For Cubs fans, this is a day game at Wrigley—a chance to get things back on track in the NL Central.
Where the Cubs Stand at 5–7
Current Record: 5–7
We’re two games under .500 after going 78–84 last year. Tyler Glasnow has been solid. Jackson Merrill is settling in. Pete Crow-Armstrong shows flashes. Now Jameson Taillon gets a day game start at Wrigley.
Key Players:
- Jameson Taillon (RHP): Veteran presence, gets the day game at Wrigley
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Our franchise shortstop settling in
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense with offensive growth
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Has shown flashes early
- Matt Shaw (INF): Contributing consistently
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
We’re 5–7. Win at Wrigley and we’re 6–7, one game under .500 and building.
The Pittsburgh Pirates: Young and Competitive
Current Record: 6–6
The Pirates are .500 at 6–6 with a young roster. Oneil Cruz is a freak—power-speed combination at shortstop that’s elite. Ke’Bryan Hayes is a Gold Glove defender at third. Mitch Keller is their ace.
Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz (SS): Freakish power-speed combo, one of the most exciting players in baseball
- Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B): Elite defender with developing offense
- Mitch Keller (RHP): Staff ace
The Strength:
- Cruz’s explosive bat and speed
- Hayes’ elite defense at third
- Keller’s strikeout ability
The Pirates are .500 with Keller on the mound. They’re competitive in the NL Central.
The Matchups That Matter This Afternoon
| Position | Cubs | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pitcher | Jameson Taillon | Mitch Keller |
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Oneil Cruz |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Bryan Reynolds |
Jameson Taillon vs Mitch Keller
Taillon is a veteran with savvy. Keller is their ace with strikeout ability. Should be competitive at Wrigley.
Jackson Merrill vs Oneil Cruz at Shortstop
Both franchise shortstops. Merrill is settling in. Cruz is a freak with elite power-speed. Cruz is more explosive.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Bryan Reynolds in Center
PCA has elite defense and growing offense. Reynolds is consistent. Both are quality center fielders.
What the Cubs Need at Wrigley
Jameson Taillon Provides Quality Innings
Veteran gets a day game at Wrigley. Give us six solid innings and keep their explosive lineup in check.
Get to Mitch Keller Early
Keller is their ace. If we can get to him early at Wrigley, the crowd gets into it. Timely hitting matters.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Defense Saves Runs
Elite defense at Wrigley can swing a game. Save runs and contribute offensively.
Win at Home
We’re 5–7. Win at Wrigley and start building back to .500.
What Pittsburgh Will Bring
Mitch Keller will challenge us with strikeouts. Oneil Cruz will do something freakish with his power-speed. Ke’Bryan Hayes will make elite defensive plays. Bryan Reynolds will provide consistent hitting.
The Pirates are .500 and competitive on the road.
Cubs Fan Prediction: We Win at Wrigley
Final Score: Cubs 6, Pirates 4
Jameson Taillon is solid at Wrigley—six innings, three runs, veteran stability. Mitch Keller shows his stuff but gives up five runs.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-4 with an RBI. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight catch and drives in two. The Wrigley crowd gets loud.
Oneil Cruz goes 2-for-4 with a bomb, showing his freakish power. But we win at home.
We’re 6–7. One game under .500. Building back.
Why This Game Matters
We’re 5–7. The Pirates are 6–6. Both NL Central teams trying to build something.
Win at Wrigley and we’re 6–7, one game under .500. Start the climb back at home.
Can Jameson Taillon provide quality innings? Will the Wrigley crowd help? Can we get timely hits against Keller?
We went 78–84 last year. The Brewers won the Central at 86–76. Every game at Wrigley matters.
Go Cubs Go!!!
The post Cubs vs Pirates Prediction Game Today April 10: Home Game at Wrigley Field appeared first on UrbanMatter.
