The Cubs scored a series victory over the Pirates and gained a game on the division-leading Brewers, whose franchise-record win streak ended on the eve of a five-game series between the two teams at Wrigley Field.

A back-and-forth series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs was decided by a back-and-forth game at Wrigley Field in Sunday’s rubber match.

The Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 at Wrigley Field on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. Chicago Cubs pitcher Andrew Kittredge (59) takes a breath before throwing a pitch during the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

The Cubs had been waiting weeks for the Brewers to lose a ballgame. In fact, the last time Milwaukee slipped was back on July 30, when Chicago picked up a win over the Brewers in the teams’ final game of the month at American Family Field.

The Cubs' ice-cold offense stayed that way in a series-opening loss to the Pirates, a story that has gotten old real quick for fans.

The Cubs equaled Pham’s home run in the bottom of the fourth. Kyle Tucker singled with one out and advanced to second on a little popup by Seiya Suzuki to short center. Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with a rare walk and Carson Kelly then singled in Tucker [VIDEO].

Jack Suwinski hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth inning to give the Pittsburgh Pirates a 3-2 win over the struggling Chicago Cubs.

Imanaga tossed seven innings of one-run ball Saturday, continuing a trend of strong work by Cubs starters as the bats have gone cold.