Overview
The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates, both teams from the National League Central, faced off in a two-game series at PNC Park on April 29–30, 2025. The series was packed with action, with the Cubs dominating the first game, and the Pirates looking to bounce back in the second. This guide breaks down key player stats, standout performances, and head-to-head (H2H) history, providing fans, fantasy baseball players, and sports bettors with all the important details.
Why It Matters
The detailed player stats highlight key moments, like Seiya Suzuki’s near-cycle on April 29. He went 3-for-4, hitting a home run, triple, double, and driving in two RBIs. The Cubs’ 9-0 shutout victory in the first game showcased their offensive power and solid pitching, led by Shota Imanaga and a strong bullpen. These insights help fans appreciate the game’s dynamics, guide fantasy players with their team choices, and give bettors valuable info on trends and player performance.
Last Updated
This analysis is up to date as of May 1, 2025, and covers games played through April 30, 2025.
Recent Match Recaps (April 29–30, 2025)
April 29, 2025: Cubs 9, Pirates 0
Game Highlights
The Chicago Cubs delivered a dominant 9-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. The Cubs’ offense was explosive, knocking out four home runs throughout the game. Seiya Suzuki was a standout performer, going 3-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBIs. Carson Kelly also had a great game, hitting 3-for-5, with a home run and 3 RBIs. On the mound, Shota Imanaga was solid, pitching 5 innings without allowing any earned runs and striking out 3. The Cubs’ bullpen finished the job, shutting down the Pirates’ offense, which struggled to get anything going. Andrew McCutchen and Oneil Cruz, two of the Pirates’ key players, couldn’t ignite a comeback.
Key Stats
Cubs Batting:
- Seiya Suzuki: 3-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs
- Carson Kelly: 3-5, 1 HR, 3 RBIs
- Dansby Swanson: 1-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: 1-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs
- Kyle Tucker: 1-4, 1 RBI
Pirates Batting:
- Andrew McCutchen: 0-4
- Oneil Cruz: 0-4 (groundout to end the game)
Pitching:
- Shota Imanaga (Cubs): 5.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 3 Ks
- Andrew Heaney (Pirates): 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 9 Ks (no run support)
Read More: Milwaukee Bucks vs Pacers Match Player Stats: 2025 Playoff Breakdown
April 30, 2025: Pirates 3, Cubs 4
Game Highlights
In a much closer matchup, the Cubs narrowly defeated the Pirates 4-3. The game was marked by strong pitching performances and a late rally by the Pirates that fell just short. Oneil Cruz sparked the Pirates with a key single, but they couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. Matthew Boyd (Cubs) outshined Carmen Mlodzinski (Pirates), helping the Cubs hold on to their lead. Seiya Suzuki, who had been hot the day before, went 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts in this game. Despite their fight, the Pirates couldn’t get past the Cubs’ solid pitching.
Key Stats
Cubs Batting:
- Limited details available; the Cubs’ offense relied on timely hits and pitching strength.
Pirates Batting:
- Nick Gonzales: Contributed a hit (details unclear)
Pitching:
- Matthew Boyd (Cubs): 6.0 IP, 2 R
- Carmen Mlodzinski (Pirates): Struggled with control, allowing 4 runs
Player Performance Breakdown
Player Performance Breakdown
Chicago Cubs Key Players
| Player | Pos | G | AB | H | HR | RBI | AVG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seiya Suzuki | OF | 2 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | .298 | Near-cycle on 4/29; 3 Ks on 4/30. |
| Carson Kelly | C | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | .600 | Huge game on 4/29. |
| Dansby Swanson | SS | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | .333 | Consistent power. |
| Pete Crow-Armstrong | OF | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | .250 | Emerging star. |
| Shota Imanaga | P | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Ks on 4/29. |
| Matthew Boyd | P | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 2-2, 2.54 ERA on 4/30. |
Pittsburgh Pirates Key Players
| Player | Pos | G | AB | H | HR | RBI | AVG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oneil Cruz | SS | 2 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .125 | Groundout ended 4/29 game. |
| Andrew McCutchen | OF | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | Struggled on 4/29. |
| Nick Gonzales | 2B | 1 | – | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | Limited data; hit on 4/30. |
| Andrew Heaney | P | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 6 IP, 0 ER, 9 Ks on 4/29. |
| Carmen Mlodzinski | P | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 1-3, 6.95 ERA on 4/30. |
Head-to-Head Stats (1996–2025)
Overall Record
The Chicago Cubs have had the upper hand over the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1996, leading the all-time series 173-125 across 299 games. This gives them a solid .581 winning percentage, showing their consistent dominance in this National League Central matchup.
Runs Scored
The Cubs have outpaced the Pirates in scoring, totaling 1,457 runs (averaging 4.9 runs per game) compared to the Pirates’ 1,224 runs (averaging 4.1 runs per game). This offensive difference highlights Chicago’s ability to take advantage of scoring opportunities more effectively.
Recent 5 Games (2024–2025)
In the most recent five games between these two teams, the Cubs have come out on top 4 times, averaging 5.4 runs per game. The Pirates managed 2 wins, averaging 3.0 runs per game, but they were more competitive, winning 60% of the games when accounting for handicap runs.
Cubs’ Biggest Win
The Cubs’ biggest victory in this rivalry came on September 4, 2024, when they handed the Pirates a 12-0 defeat, with Shota Imanaga pitching a no-hitter through 7 innings. It was one of the most dominant wins in the history of the rivalry.
Pirates’ Biggest Win
The Pirates’ most memorable win happened on May 11, 2024, in a dramatic 10-9 victory. This high-scoring game demonstrated Pittsburgh’s resilience, showing they can compete fiercely, even when facing tough stretches against the Cubs.
Analysis: What the Stats Tell Us
Cubs’ Dominant Offense
The Chicago Cubs put on an impressive show in their April 29 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, securing a 4-0 win. Their offensive strength was clear, as they hit four home runs during the game, with Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly leading the charge. This offensive power, combined with solid contributions from all parts of the lineup, demonstrates the Cubs’ depth and ability to take advantage of pitching mistakes. Their balanced approach makes them a tough team as the season continues.
Pirates’ Struggles on the Mound
The Pittsburgh Pirates had a tough time with their pitching in the April 30 loss. Reliever Carmen Mlodzinski, who entered the game with a 6.95 ERA, couldn’t provide the stability the team needed. On top of that, the Pirates’ offense struggled to generate runs, leaving their pitchers vulnerable. This combination of poor pitching and weak hitting has been a consistent issue for Pittsburgh, making it hard for them to compete in close games.
Key Players and Trends
- Seiya Suzuki’s Strong Performance: Suzuki is having an excellent season, with seven home runs and a .298 batting average. His consistency at the plate, along with his power and discipline, makes him a key player for the Cubs and a must-have in fantasy baseball.
- Oneil Cruz’s Struggles: The Pirates’ star shortstop, Oneil Cruz, has had a tough time recently, hitting just .125 in the series. His ability to bounce back is crucial for Pittsburgh’s offense, as they rely on his speed and power to spark rallies.
Injury Impact
- Cubs: The Cubs are missing their ace, Justin Steele, who is out for the season after elbow surgery. This is a big loss for their rotation, and the team will need their bullpen and other starters to step up in his absence.
- Pirates: Pittsburgh is dealing with several injuries, including Nick Gonzales (ankle fracture) and Jared Jones (elbow sprain). These injuries weaken both their batting lineup and pitching staff, making it even more difficult for them to compete against strong teams like the Cubs.
Fantasy Baseball Picks for Cubs vs. Pirates
Top Cubs Picks:
- Seiya Suzuki (OF): Suzuki is a solid pick for your fantasy lineup. He’s consistent at the plate, with a strong batting average and regular home runs. His ability to get on base and drive in runs makes him a reliable choice.
- Shota Imanaga (SP): Imanaga has been a dependable starting pitcher, regularly delivering strong performances with good strikeout numbers. His control and ability to limit damage make him a solid option for this game.
Top Pirates Picks:
- Jake Heaney (SP): Heaney has surprised many this season with his low ERA and sharp control. He’s been effective at keeping runners off base, making him a good streaming option for fantasy leagues.
- Oneil Cruz (SS): Cruz’s recent slump doesn’t erase his potential. With power and speed, he’s a risky but rewarding fantasy pick, especially if he can break out against the Cubs’ pitching.
Betting Insights for Cubs vs. Pirates (April 30)
Moneyline:
- Cubs: -171
- Pirates: +143
Analysis: The Cubs are favored, thanks to their stronger lineup and Imanaga’s consistency on the mound. However, the Pirates have value as underdogs, especially if Heaney can keep the game close.
Over/Under: 9 Runs
Analysis: Consider betting on the over. The Cubs’ offense, led by Suzuki, has been productive, and the Pirates can score if Cruz and others capitalize on mistakes. The warm weather could also help boost hitting.
Player Prop Bets to Watch
- Seiya Suzuki: Over 1.5 hits (+150): Suzuki excels in good hitting conditions, especially on warm days. His current form makes this a good bet for multiple hits.
- Oneil Cruz: Over 0.5 RBI (+200): Cruz has the power to drive in runs, making this a solid bet if the Pirates’ offense heats up. It offers good value if the game turns into a high-scoring affair.
How to Follow Cubs vs. Pirates
- Next Game: June 14, 2025, at PNC Park (2:20 PM EDT).
- Live Updates: ESPN, MLB.com, Sofascore.
- Stats Sources: Baseball-Reference.com, Stathead.com
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs dominated the first game of their series with a 9-0 victory, highlighted by strong performances from Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly, and solid pitching from Shota Imanaga. In the second game, the Cubs won narrowly, 4-3, thanks to timely hitting and pitching from Matthew Boyd. The Pirates struggled, particularly with pitching and key player performances, but showed resilience. Moving forward, the Cubs are in strong form, while the Pirates need improvements to remain competitive.
References
- Baseball-Reference.com. (2025). Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates box scores and game logs, April 29–30, 2025. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.baseball-reference.com/
- MLB.com. (2025). Game recaps and schedules for Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, April 29–30, 2025, and June 14, 2025. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.mlb.com/
- ESPN. (2025). Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game summaries and injury reports, April 29–30, 2025. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.espn.com/mlb/
- Stathead.com. (2025). Historical head-to-head statistics for Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1996–2025. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.stathead.com/
- FanDuel. (2025). Betting odds and player prop bets for Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, April 30, 2025. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.fanduel.com/
Jared H. Furness is a well-known sports analyst and writer. He is known for his skill in player stats in sports like football, basketball, and baseball. Jared has a sharp eye for detail and a passion for uncovering stories behind the numbers. He is known for writing detailed, SEO-friendly articles. They attract both fans and professionals.
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