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The Pittsburgh Pirates found themselves up 10-3 against the division rival Cubs on Wednesday as they looked to keep slim postseason hopes alive. Unfortunately, a late-game meltdown sent them one step closer to season’s end.
The bullpen would allow 11 Chicago runs over the last three at-bats, ticking onlooker Livvy Dunne off in the process.
— Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) August 28, 2024
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes made the start, allowing two runs over five frames while striking out six batters. He was pulled early as Pittsburgh continues to navigate the rest of the season with caution, hoping to avoid injury without shutting him down completely.
When the righty left the mound, the Pirates led 10-3. The Cubs would come storming back with Skenes in the dugout!
Chicago scored a pair in the seventh and three more in the eighth before finally taking the lead with a six-run ninth inning. No. 9 hitter Christian Bethancourt led the way with seven RBIs and a homer.
Two in the 7th
Three in the 8th
SIX in the 9thThe @Cubs earn a series sweep in Pittsburgh thanks to a huge come-from-behind win! pic.twitter.com/5iFZ698enQ
— MLB (@MLB) August 28, 2024
Those that grabbed Chicago in the seventh inning at +2250 live odds were happy to see the comeback. Livvy Dunne wasn’t one of them!
The LSU gymnast, and girlfriend of Paul Skenes, was disgusted by the late game collapse, though, she might grow accustomed to it so long as Skenes is with the Pirates.
Pittsburgh boasts just one winning season over the last eight campaigns. They look destined for another in 2024 as this latest loss puts them at 62-71 on the year.
Skenes will look to turn that trend around over the next few years, and if his debut season is any indication, he’ll certainly have a chance to do so.
That said, it seems everyone’s attention has turned away from 2023 and onto next year – Pirates bullpen included!