Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes experienced a career first on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs ( GameTracker ), and not of the positive manner he's grown accustomed to over the last year. Rather, Thursday's game represented the first time he has surrendered three home runs during an appearance at the big-league level.

It was the last of three homers that the Cubs hit off Skenes in the fifth inning, following Dansby Swanson and Kyle Tuckers’ solo shots. Those three runs gave the Cubs their first lead of the game. And for good measure, Suzuki added a two-run homer in the seventh inning off reliever Kyle Nicolas.

Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki all took Pirates ace Paul Skenes deep in the fifth inning as the Cubs pulled away for an 8-3 victory on Thursday. Suzuki later added a two-run shot off reliever Kyle Nicolas as Chicago took two of three from the last-place Pirates.

The Cubs (19-13) lead the National League Central, and the Pirates (12-20) bring up the rear. The Cubs’ weekend opponent, the Brewers, were tied with the Reds for second place (16-15) going into their respective games Thursday.

Preview the April 30 matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

Andrew McCutchen drove in two runs with his lone hit to help the Pittsburgh Pirates snap a three-game slide with a 4-3 win against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

Andrew McCutchen clears the bases with a two-run double for the Pirates vs. the Cubs. ESPN BET Sportsbook is owned and operated by PENN Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries ('PENN'). ESPN BET is available in states where PENN is licensed to offer sports wagering.