It's Thursday, June 12 and the Pirates (28-41) are in Chicago to take on the Cubs (41-27). Andrew Heaney is slated to take the mound for Pittsburgh against Jameson Taillon for Chicago. The Cubs wrapped up their series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday with a 7–2 loss, dropping the three-game series 2–1.

Consider it baptism by fire, and through the rain. With the Pittsburgh skies again opening up in what had been a very wet weekend, the pressure was on for Braxton Ashcraft to get the final two outs and complete the Pirates’ first series sweep of the season.

By surpassing Clemente’s mark of 240 career home runs, McCutchen now ranks just behind two other Pirates icons: Willie Stargell (475) and Ralph Kiner (301). That places him among the pantheon of franchise greats, a rarefied club defined by power, consistency, and team loyalty.

Notes and observations about the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season and the upcoming all-star game and trade deadline: n There have been notable rumblings in recent weeks about whether the Pirates will trade generational pitcher Paul Skenes,

Pittsburgh Pirates fireballer Paul Skenes is producing stellar numbers during his sophomore season, even if his won-loss record isn't among them.

The Pirates signed veteran reliever Tanner Rainey to a minor league contract, adding MLB bullpen depth at Triple-A Indianapolis.

The Philadelphia Phillies dropped the series opener to the Pittsburgh Pirates on the road in another tough loss—but Game 2 presents a promising opportunity.

The Miami Marlins have been waiting for former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara to regain his form all season. Alcantara may have given them a ray of hope in his most recent start and will look to build on it Tuesday night when the Marlins visit the surging Pittsburgh Pirates.