The Chicago White Sox capped off their first series sweep of the 2025 season with a commanding 7-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Sunday. Miguel Vargas and Mike Tauchman set the tone early, launching back-to-back home runs in a four-run first inning that stunned the home crowd. Tauchman later added a two-run double in the fifth, finishing with three RBIs on the day. The win marked Chicago’s third straight and completed a dominant three-game stretch in which they outscored Pittsburgh 27-72.
For the Pirates, the loss was their 11th in the past 12 games—a brutal stretch that has plunged them deeper into the National League Central cellar. Starter Andrew Heaney struggled again, surrendering seven runs on nine hits in just four innings. Despite the lopsided score, a few Pirates managed to stand out. Andrew McCutchen doubled in the ninth inning, tying franchise legend Willie Stargell for 180th on MLB’s all-time hit list with 2,232 career hits. Nick Gonzales also contributed with a double and a run scored, while Oneil Cruz drove in the team’s lone run with a sacrifice fly.
The Pirates’ offensive woes have been a recurring theme, and Sunday’s performance only added to the frustration. They managed just four hits and failed to score in eight of nine innings. Over their last dozen games, Pittsburgh has been outscored 84-34, including back-to-back losses where they allowed double-digit runs. The team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and shaky bullpen outings have turned what was once a promising midseason stretch into a prolonged slump.
As the trade deadline looms, the Pirates face tough decisions about their roster. With veterans like McCutchen still producing and young talents like Gonzales showing flashes, Pittsburgh must weigh short-term struggles against long-term potential. Meanwhile, the White Sox—finally shedding their sweep-less label—head to Tampa Bay with renewed momentum and a lineup that’s beginning to click.
The Detroit Tigers are up next for the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates. Here is the pitching matchup:
Paul Skenes – Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 4–8
ERA: 2.01 (1st in MLB)
Jack Flaherty – Detroit Tigers
Record: 5–9
ERA: 4.65
(pic courtesy of TSN)