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A fractured, geometric illustration captures the tension and drama of the Pirates’ extra-inning victory over the Cubs.Today in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in extra innings on Saturday, clinching the three-game series. Reliever Yohan Ramírez escaped bases-loaded jams in the 10th and 11th innings to preserve the lead, and the Pirates took advantage of a throwing error by Cubs pitcher Caleb Thielbar to score the go-ahead run.
Why it matters
The win keeps the Pirates in first place in the NL Central division, as they continue their push for the playoffs. The Cubs, meanwhile, fall further behind in the division race with the loss.
The details
In the 10th and 11th innings, Ramírez worked out of bases-loaded situations to keep the game tied. In the 12th, the Pirates took the lead when Thielbar’s throwing error allowed a run to score. The Pirates’ bullpen was able to hold on for the victory.
The game took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The players
Yohan Ramírez
A relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who escaped two bases-loaded jams in extra innings to preserve the lead.
Alex Bregman
The Pittsburgh Pirates player who hit the go-ahead RBI single in the 12th inning.
Caleb Thielbar
The Chicago Cubs pitcher whose throwing error allowed the go-ahead run to score for the Pirates in the 12th inning.
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What they’re saying
“Yohan really stepped up for us tonight. Those bases-loaded situations could have gone either way, but he kept his composure and made the pitches we needed.”
— Derek Shelton, Pittsburgh Pirates Manager
What’s next
The Pirates will look to sweep the series against the Cubs in the final game on Sunday.
The takeaway
The Pirates’ ability to win close, extra-inning games against division rivals like the Cubs will be crucial as they try to maintain their lead in the NL Central race.