Anthony Rizzo clubbed a two-run homer and scored three times as the Cubs crushed the Pirates 7-1 at PNC Park. Ian Happ also went deep, while Willson Contreras had three hits and three RBI for the Cubs, who took two of three in the series. John Lackey tossed six innings of one-run ball to improve to 5-and-7.
Jordy Mercer homered in the fifth for the Bucs' only run. Jameson Taillon permitted four runs in five frames as he fell to 3-and-2 with the loss.
The Cubs open up a 3-game series tonight at Wrigley Field against San Diego.