O'Hearn's Birthday Grand Slam Lifts Pirates to 8-7 Win Over Cubs

Overview

• Pittsburgh beat Chicago 8-7 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep after Ryan O'Hearn hit a third-inning grand slam on his 33rd birthday that pushed the lead to 7-1.
• The offense opened early with three homers off Cubs starter Jameson Taillon: Esmerlyn Valdez's leadoff solo shot, Shawn Ross's two-run blast in his first big-league start, and O'Hearn's grand slam.
• Taillon was charged with seven runs in four innings and has allowed 25 home runs this season, underscoring his continuing long-ball trouble for Chicago.
• Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft provided length with six innings (four runs allowed) and reliever Mason Montgomery secured a tense ninth for his second save after Seiya Suzuki's two-run homer cut the lead to one.
• The win illustrated Pittsburgh's depth and rookie impact—Valdez's power and Ross's debut—while Nick Gonzales extended a reported 10-game hitting streak and Mitch Keller is scheduled to start the next game.