RE-WATCH 2019: Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs, April 8

(Follow this link for an introduction and overview of this series.)

Date and venue: April 8, 2019 at Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL.
Pitching matchup: RHP Jameson Taillon (0-1, 3.46) vs. Jon Lester (1-0, 3.00)
Setup and context: Home Opener for the 2-7 Cubs, with all the pagentry pre-game on a beautiful spring day. Pirates at 5-3 came in smoking hot, fresh off a 4-game sweep of the Reds in Cincinnati, which featured the Derek Dietrich-stare/Yasiel Puig-vs-the-world bruhaha. Pittsburgh to this point in the young season had gotten great starting pitching overall. But the game got away from the Buccos early due to fielding miscues, and the Cubs scored early and often and coasted to a 10-0 victory.
Links: Game stories, box score, and video...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Facts & Flukes

What happened to George Kirby? We examine the skills and metrics for Kirby, George Springer, MacKenzie Gore, Spencer Torkelson, and Bailey Ober.
Feb 3 2026 3:06am
Is Acuña Jr. still worthy of a first round pick? Plus, Spencer Strider, Matt McLain, Graham Ashcraft, and Victor Scott II.
Feb 2 2026 3:02am
Jackson Merrill warmed up in September. Also: David Peterson, Seiya Suzuki, Abner Uribe, Otto Lopez.
Jan 28 2026 3:05am
Cole Ragans had a small sample and inflated ERA in 2025, but his skills were top notch. Plus Gavin Williams, Lawrence Butler, Luke Keaschall, and Bo Naylor.
Jan 27 2026 3:05am
A May quad injury cost Alex Bregman seven weeks and seemed to hamper his second half performance—could he be a rebound candidate in 2026? Plus, Drake Baldwin, Tyler Mahle, Mark Vientos, and Braxton Ashcraft.
Jan 21 2026 3:03am

Tools