5 Cubs Stars Whose Stats TORCHED The Pirates In The 2025 Season: Head-to-Head Player Deep Dive

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The 2025 MLB season saw the Chicago Cubs cement their dominance over their National League Central rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates. This historic rivalry, played out across iconic venues like Wrigley Field and PNC Park, was decisively one-sided, with the Cubs cruising to a commanding 10-3 head-to-head record against the Buccos.

The lopsided results weren't just a matter of team depth; they were driven by specific, clutch performances from key Cubs players whose individual match player stats against Pittsburgh were nothing short of spectacular. This deep dive, updated for the current date of December 21, 2025, dissects the five Chicago stars who consistently delivered game-changing numbers and highlights that defined the 2025 Cubs-Pirates series.

The 2025 Head-to-Head Player Stat Leaders: Cubs' Offensive Engine

The Cubs' superior performance was evident in the overall team metrics. The Chicago Cubs boasted a better overall Win % (0.565) and a higher Runs per Game average (4.80) compared to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who averaged 3.6 runs per game in 2025.

However, the real story lies in the individual contributions, especially in high-leverage situations. The Cubs' ability to generate offense, evidenced by their 14.48 Total Bases per Game, consistently overwhelmed the Pirates' pitching staff.

1. Seiya Suzuki: The Power Catalyst

Seiya Suzuki was arguably the most destructive force against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2025 matchups. His ability to deliver power and drive in runs was a constant nightmare for Pirates pitchers, including highly-touted prospect Paul Skenes.

  • Player of the Game Performance: On May 1, 2025, Suzuki was named the Player of the Game in an 8-3 Cubs victory, going 2-for-4 with two Home Runs (HR) and three Runs Batted In (RBI).
  • Impact: Suzuki's multi-homer game set the tone for the series early in the season, showcasing the raw power that the Pirates struggled to contain. His performance in this specific game alone contributed significantly to the Cubs' dominant win-loss record.

2. Ian Happ: The Postseason Clincher

Ian Happ's contributions were not only statistically significant but also historically important for the franchise. His clutch hitting against the Pirates was instrumental in securing a coveted Postseason Berth for the Cubs.

  • Clutch Game Stats: In a pivotal game where the Cubs clinched their first postseason spot since 2020, Happ homered and drove in three runs in an 8-4 victory over Pittsburgh.
  • Topical Authority: As a veteran presence and former first-round pick, Happ's ability to produce runs in the rivalry series highlights the difference-making nature of proven talent in the National League Central race.

3. Michael Busch: The Youthful Slugger

Michael Busch, one of the Cubs' promising young hitters, consistently flashed his power against the Pirates. His ability to launch Home Runs added critical cushion to several Cubs victories, demonstrating the depth of Chicago's lineup.

  • Highlight Performance: Busch homered in a Cubs win where Jameson Taillon delivered a strong pitching performance, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
  • LSI Keyword Focus: Busch's performance, alongside other young talents like Pete Crow-Armstrong, signals a bright future for the Cubs in this long-standing rivalry, moving the focus from historical stats to current and future dominance.

4. Pete Crow-Armstrong: The Spark Plug

Though his overall season statistics may not lead the league, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s impact in the Cubs vs. Pirates series was undeniable. Known for his speed and defense, his offensive production in key matchups proved he can be a difference-maker.

  • Game-Changing Moment: Crow-Armstrong also homered in the same decisive win as Michael Busch, demonstrating the collective offensive surge from the Cubs' younger core.
  • Rivalry Context: His contributions in the September 15th and 16th series at PNC Park helped the Cubs secure two crucial late-season victories (4-0 and 4-1), effectively extinguishing any Pirates playoff hopes.

5. Jameson Taillon: The Pitching Anchor

While the focus is often on batting stats, the pitching performance of Jameson Taillon was a critical factor in shutting down the Pirates' offense, which struggled to generate runs against the Cubs' staff. Taillon's masterful outing highlights the team's overall superiority in the series.

  • Dominant Pitching Line: Taillon allowed just two hits over six innings in a commanding victory over Pittsburgh, effectively neutralizing Pirates stars like Oneil Cruz and Jack Suwinski.
  • Team Pitching Stats: The Cubs' pitching staff held a clear advantage, boasting a superior Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP) metric (1.176) compared to the Pirates' 1.232, indicating a better ability to limit base runners throughout the 2025 season.

The Pirates’ Key Players and What Went Wrong

The Pittsburgh Pirates, despite having dynamic players, failed to gain traction in the 2025 series. The Cubs' pitching and defense consistently stifled their top hitters. The Pirates' offense, led by players like Oneil Cruz, Jack Suwinski, and Jared Triolo, simply couldn't produce the necessary Runs Batted In (RBI) to keep pace.

Pirates' starting pitching, including flashes from Paul Skenes, was often let down by a lack of run support. The Cubs’ ability to consistently score 4-5 runs per game proved insurmountable for the Pirates’ average run production. The 10-3 head-to-head record is a testament to the Cubs' superior execution in every facet of the game.

Looking Ahead: The Cubs-Pirates Matchup in the NL Central

The 2025 season reaffirmed the Chicago Cubs' position as a dominant force in the NL Central, with their player stats against the Pittsburgh Pirates serving as the definitive proof. The Pirates must find a way to neutralize the Cubs' top five performers—Suzuki, Happ, Busch, Crow-Armstrong, and Taillon—if they hope to reverse the trend in future matchups.

The consistent offensive output from the Cubs, particularly their ability to hit the long ball and generate Total Bases/Game, was the single biggest factor in this rivalry. For the Pirates, the focus must shift to improving their own team batting average and finding a way to get their star players, like Oneil Cruz, on base consistently to challenge the Cubs' formidable pitching staff.

chicago cubs vs pittsburgh pirates match player stats
chicago cubs vs pittsburgh pirates match player stats

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