Cubs vs Pirates Preview: Week 62 Showdown Under May Lights

The Cubs came into PNC Park swinging hard. On May 27, they dismantled the Pirates 10-4 in a game that turned into a home run fest. Happ launched one deep to right. Conforto smashed another to right-center. Busch drove in runs all over the field. This Cubs team just won their last game and they smell blood in the water. Chicago is 30-26 this season, still hunting for consistency. Now they roll into Thursday looking to grab another win and keep the Pirates buried.

Paul Skenes is pure electric. The young Pirates ace is the ace that most teams dream about. At only 22 years old, Skenes already carries the weight of Pittsburgh's rotation on his shoulders. When he pitches, the Pirates have a real shot at winning. He made his MLB debut last year and has not stopped impressing. The problem? Skenes faces Colin Rea today, a veteran with plenty of postseason experience. This matchup of youth against experience could set the tone for Thursday night at PNC Park.

The Pirates dropped their last game and sit at 29-27. That is close but not close enough. May 26 was brutal for Pittsburgh—they got crushed 12-1 at home. The bats went silent when they needed them most. But May 25 showed they can compete. Davis hit a home run off the left field wall. The Pirates still have fight left. Thursday is the chance to prove that. Home field matters. Skenes matters. Can Pittsburgh bounce back and make this series interesting? That is the question hanging over PNC Park.