The Pittsburgh Pirates enter the final game of their three-game series against the Chicago Cubs with a 12–19 record and the opportunity to take a much-needed series win at home, hoping to reverse the inconsistent form that has plagued their early 2025 campaign. Manager Derek Shelton turns to phenom Paul Skenes, whose electric stuff and growing composure on the mound have made him a rare bright spot in an otherwise up-and-down season. The 21-year-old right-hander has impressed with a 3–2 record, 2.39 ERA, and 39 strikeouts in just under 38 innings, using a dominant fastball-slider combination and a growing sense of poise to navigate major league lineups. His command has improved with each outing, and the Pirates will be banking on him to set the tone against a disciplined and potent Cubs offense. Backing him is a lineup headlined by Oneil Cruz, who remains the team’s most dynamic threat—batting .258 with eight home runs, 16 RBIs, and an MLB-leading 12 stolen bases. Cruz’s combination of power and speed makes him a true dual threat, capable of changing a game on either side of the ball. Offensively, however, the Pirates have struggled to find rhythm beyond Cruz, with key contributors like Bryan Reynolds still trying to establish consistency and spark sustained rallies. The lack of timely hitting has often stranded runners and diminished the impact of strong starts from pitchers like Skenes.

Still, players such as Connor Joe and Henry Davis have shown flashes of productivity, and if Pittsburgh can string together quality at-bats and limit strikeouts, they could offer just enough run support to tip the scales. Defensively, the Pirates have been spotty at times—prone to costly errors and mental lapses that have extended innings and put pressure on an already thin bullpen. The relief corps has struggled to hold leads in high-leverage moments, forcing the Pirates to rely heavily on their starters to pitch deep into games, which can be a challenge against deep lineups like Chicago’s. The focus for Pittsburgh in this game will be crisp, fundamental defense and a clean performance from the bullpen if Skenes hands over a lead. Shelton may shorten the bullpen leash and turn to Colin Holderman or David Bednar early if signs of trouble arise. With the Cubs favored in recent matchups and having covered the run line in 5 of their last 7 against Pittsburgh, the Pirates are well aware they’ll need to play near-flawless baseball to flip that trend. A win here would not only secure the series but provide a much-needed morale boost for a team still searching for its footing in a competitive NL Central. If Skenes continues his early-season dominance and the offense can rise to the occasion, the Pirates will have a prime chance to close out the homestand on a positive note and build momentum as May begins.