The Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on September 16, 2025. The Cubs are close to earning a playoff berth with the win. The Cubs stand at 87-64; the Pirates are 65-87.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ (L) celebrates scoring with Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on September 16, 2025. The Cubs defeated the Pirates 4-1. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Cubs catcher Moisés Ballesteros singles in the first inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/U PI

Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong singles, scoring one run in the first inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes greets his teammates in the dugout before the start of the game. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Skenes starts against the Cubs. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Cubs pitcher Cade Horton starts against the Pirates. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz triples in the first inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Cruz celebrates his triple. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner hits a sacrifice fly, scoring one run in the second inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Pirates manager Don Kelly relives Skenes in the fifth inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Pirates pitcher Evan Sisk throws in the fifth inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Ballesteros scores on a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Cubs manager Craig Counsell watches the game from the dugout during the fifth inning. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Cubs catcher Carson Kelly (L) celebrates the 4-1 win against the Pirates with Cubs pitcher Brad Keller. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

The Cubs celebrate the victory together. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI