You’ve probably heard everyone drone on about the Cubs and the Cardinals. It’s the "classic" rivalry. The polite, midwestern disagreement. But honestly? If you want to see where the actual sparks fly, you look at the Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates.
This isn't just another series on the calendar. It's a century-plus of bad blood, weird plays, and fans who genuinely can't stand each other’s colors.
People forget how deep this goes. We’re talking about two teams that first squared off in 1887. Back then, the Cubs were the "White Stockings" and the Pirates were the "Alleghenies." Think about that. These teams were throwing heat at each other before the airplane was invented.
The Brutal Truth About the Rivalry
Most fans think a rivalry needs a trophy or a specific name to be "real." They're wrong. A real rivalry is built on moments that make you want to throw your remote at the TV.
Take the 2015 Wild Card game. That night in Pittsburgh was electric, and not in a fun, "let's all get along" kind of way. Jake Arrieta was basically a machine that year. He shut the Pirates down, but it wasn't just the score. It was the tension.
The benches cleared. People were screaming. It felt like a playoff game from the 1970s.
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Why It’s Different at Wrigley vs. PNC Park
There is a weird psychological shift when these teams travel.
Wrigley Field is all ivy and tradition. When the Pirates roll in, they often play like they have something to prove. It's the big city vs. the steel city.
- Wrigley Field Dynamics: The wind blowing out can turn a routine fly ball into a nightmare for Pittsburgh’s outfielders.
- PNC Park Vibes: Many experts call it the best stadium in baseball. But for the Cubs, the backdrop of the Roberto Clemente Bridge usually just means a long night of trying to keep the ball inside the park.
Honestly, the "Homer in the Gloaming" in 1938 is the ultimate example of how these games end. Gabby Hartnett hit a walk-off home run in near total darkness to basically steal the pennant from the Pirates. Pittsburgh fans still talk about that like it happened last week.
Key Matchups to Watch in 2026
We aren't just looking at history here. The current rosters are stacked with guys who seem to play their best when they see the opposing jersey.
Oneil Cruz is a literal freak of nature. Have you seen him hit? The exit velocity is terrifying. When the Cubs pitch him inside, you can feel the entire stadium hold its breath.
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On the Chicago side, Ian Happ has turned into a certified "Pirate Killer." He grew up in Pittsburgh, which makes it even more personal. He hits home runs at PNC Park like he's back in high school playing in his backyard. It's almost rude at this point.
The Pitching Chess Match
In the 2025 season, we saw a lot of high-stress ninth innings. Specifically, that September series where Brad Keller had to come in with the bases loaded to save the game for Chicago. The "magic number" was shrinking, and the Pirates were desperate to play spoiler.
That’s the thing about the Pirates. Even when they aren't at the top of the NL Central, they take a weird, gritty pride in ruining the Cubs' season. They’re like that one cousin who only shows up to Thanksgiving to start an argument.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the Cubs have always dominated.
Actually, if you look at the all-time head-to-head record, it is remarkably close. StatMuse and Retrosheet data show that over thousands of games, the win-loss margin is often within a handful of games.
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- The 1900s: Total Cubs dominance.
- The 1970s: The "Lumber Company" Pirates era where they basically bullied the NL East (where the Cubs used to play).
- Modern Day: A complete toss-up.
It’s a see-saw. One decade Chicago is the "Loveable Losers" getting beat up, the next they’re the powerhouse. But the Pirates never go away. They’re gritty. They’re the underdog team that hits you when you aren't looking.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on catching a Chicago Cubs v Pittsburgh Pirates game this year, don't just show up for the hot dogs.
- Check the pitching rotation: If you see a high-strikeout lefty on the mound for Pittsburgh, the Cubs’ hitters usually struggle.
- Watch the "Inner Half": Both teams have a history of pitching tight. If someone gets hit by a pitch in the third inning, expect a "receipt" by the seventh.
- Arrive early at PNC: If you're an away fan, walk the bridge. It's part of the ritual. Just maybe hide your blue jersey until you're inside.
The NL Central is a grind. Every game matters, but these games feel like they matter just a little bit more. It's not just about the standings; it's about the 130 years of history that comes walking through the dugout every time these two teams meet.
Keep an eye on the young prospects like Konnor Griffin for Pittsburgh. If he makes his debut against the Cubs, the atmosphere is going to be insane.
Make sure you're tracking the series schedules on platforms like MLB.com or checking the broadcast times for Peacock’s Sunday Night Baseball, which has started picking up more divisional matchups. Understanding the pitching matchups 24 hours in advance is the best way to get an edge if you're looking at the betting lines or just want to know if it's going to be a 12-10 slugfest or a 1-0 pitcher’s duel.