Cubs Defeat Pirates 9-5, Move Above .500

Dansby Swanson contributed significantly to the Chicago Cubs' 9-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a home run, two walks, and three RBIs, marking his second straight game with a home run. This win allowed the Cubs to surpass .500 for the first time since May 28, as they have won five of their last six games. Seiya Suzuki also homered during a five-run fourth inning, helping the Cubs maintain momentum in their series against the Pirates. Swanson's performance comes after a challenging season, where he has shown signs of improvement, raising his batting average to close to .230. The game was particularly special for Swanson, as he celebrated his mother's birthday after hitting his home run. The Cubs are now 28-18 since July 3, showcasing a notable turnaround in their season.