The Chicago Cubs suffered a 4–3 extra-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, with reliever Caleb Thielbar drawing blame for a costly throwing error in the 11th inning.
His misplay allowed the go-ahead run to score, ultimately deciding the game. However, the situation was shaped by earlier managerial decisions and ongoing struggles in the lineup.
Manager Craig Counsell made a key move by pinch-hitting for first baseman Michael Busch, who is stuck in a prolonged 0-for-30 slump the worst stretch of his career. With the Cubs trying to rally, Busch was replaced by Carson Kelly in a crucial moment, but Kelly quickly popped out.
Later, in the ninth inning, Kelly was substituted for pinch-runner Matt Shaw. Although the Cubs tied the game, Shaw ended up stranded at third base. Because of the earlier substitutions, Shaw who had never played first base professionally was forced into that position in extra innings.
That unusual defensive alignment proved significant in the 11th. After recording two outs, Thielbar fielded a weak grounder but threw it wide of first base. Shaw, inexperienced at the position, had little chance to make the play, allowing the automatic runner to score.
While Thielbar took responsibility, saying the mistake “makes me sick,” the sequence highlighted how Busch’s slump indirectly contributed to the situation. Had Busch remained in the game, his experience at first base might have prevented or altered the outcome.
The Cubs also squandered multiple opportunities, leaving 16 runners on base including 10 in the final four innings while failing to capitalize on a similar error by Pirates pitcher Yohan Ramírez earlier.
Despite a game-tying hit from Alex Bregman, Chicago couldn’t finish the comeback and is still searching for its first come-from-behind win of the 2026 season.
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