April 11, 2026 | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL | 1:20 PM CT | Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs (5–8, three games under .500) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (7–6) at Wrigley Field this afternoon after losing the opener yesterday. We’re three games under .500 and need to bounce back at home. They’re one game over .500 and trying to take the series at Wrigley.
The Pirates have Oneil Cruz—freakish power-speed combo. Ke’Bryan Hayes is elite defensively. Bryan Reynolds provides consistency. Quinn Priester is a developing starter. They’re young, athletic, and won yesterday.
We have Jordan Wicks on the mound—young lefty with solid command. Jackson Merrill at shortstop. Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. We need to even the series at home.
For Cubs fans, this is Game 2 at Wrigley—a chance to bounce back after yesterday’s loss.
Where the Cubs Stand at 5–8
Current Record: 5–8 (Three Games Under .500)
We’re three games under .500 after going 78–84 last year. We lost the opener yesterday. Tyler Glasnow has been solid. Jackson Merrill is settling in. Pete Crow-Armstrong shows flashes. Now Jordan Wicks gets a day game at Wrigley.
Key Players:
- Jordan Wicks (LHP): Young lefty with solid command, gets Game 2 at Wrigley
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Steady bat, needs to get on base
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense, needs to contribute offensively
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Has shown flashes early
- Matt Shaw (INF): Contributing consistently
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
We’re 5–8. Win at Wrigley and we’re 6–8, two games under .500 with a series split.
The Pittsburgh Pirates: 7–6 After Winning Yesterday
Current Record: 7–6
The Pirates are one game over .500 after winning yesterday at Wrigley. Oneil Cruz is a freak. Ke’Bryan Hayes is elite defensively. Bryan Reynolds is consistent. Quinn Priester is a developing starter getting Game 2.
Key Players:
- Oneil Cruz (SS): Freakish power-speed combo, can take over games
- Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B): Elite defender with developing offense
- Quinn Priester (RHP): Developing starter, gets Game 2 at Wrigley
The Strength:
- Cruz’s explosive bat
- Hayes’ elite defense
- Reynolds’ consistency
The Pirates are 7–6 and trying to take the series at Wrigley.
The Matchups That Matter in Game 2
| Position | Cubs | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Pitcher | Jordan Wicks | Quinn Priester |
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Oneil Cruz |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Bryan Reynolds |
Jordan Wicks vs Quinn Priester
Both young starters developing. Wicks is a lefty with command. Priester is developing. Should be competitive at Wrigley.
Jackson Merrill vs Oneil Cruz at Shortstop
Merrill is steady. Cruz is a freak with explosive power. Cruz is more dangerous, but Merrill is consistent.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Bryan Reynolds in Center
PCA has elite defense. Reynolds is consistent. PCA needs to contribute offensively, not just defensively.
What the Cubs Need at Wrigley
Jordan Wicks Keeps the Ball in the Park
Young lefty against Cruz’s power. Keep the ball in the park at Wrigley. Give us six solid innings.
Jackson Merrill Gets on Base
Steady bat needs to get on base and create scoring opportunities. Set the table for the offense.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Defense and Offense
Elite defense saves runs. But we need offensive contributions too. Both sides of the ball at Wrigley.
Even the Series at Home
We’re 5–8 after losing yesterday. Win at Wrigley and split the series 1-1.
What Pittsburgh Will Bring
Oneil Cruz will look for another freakish power display. Ke’Bryan Hayes will make elite defensive plays. Bryan Reynolds will provide consistent hitting. Quinn Priester will try to pitch deep at Wrigley.
The Pirates won yesterday and are confident trying to take the series.
Cubs Fan Prediction: We Even the Series
Final Score: Cubs 6, Pirates 4
Jordan Wicks is solid at Wrigley—six innings, three runs, keeps the ball in the park. Quinn Priester battles 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 into it.
Oneil Cruz goes 2-for-4 with a bomb, showing his freakish power. But we bounce back and even the series at home.
We’re 6–8. Two games under .500. Split the series.
Why This Game Matters
We’re 5–8, three games under .500 after losing yesterday. The Pirates are 7–6 and trying to take the series.
Win at Wrigley and even the series 1-1. Show we can bounce back at home.
Can Jordan Wicks keep the ball in the park? Will Jackson Merrill get on base? Can we even the series at Wrigley?
We went 78–84 last year. The Brewers won the Central at 86–76. Every home game matters.
Go Cubs Go!!!
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