Cubs catcher Willson Contreras went yard twice while Nicholas Castellanos, Anthony Rizzo and Nico Hoerner each notched one home run apiece.

Chicago totalled five home runs in all and it was not a good night for Pirates starter Steven Brault.

Brault became the first pitcher in MLB’s Live Ball Era to allow 10 earned runs and five home runs in three innings or less.

He forked up eight hits in just 2.2 innings before being relieved.

Pittsburgh’s offense was not bad though, as they tallied 13 hits from eight different batters.

The Pirates remain far from playoff contention with a 65-83 record while the Cubs are second in the National League (NL) Central with a 79-68 mark.

Chicago are just holding onto the NL’s second wildcard spot.

The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers both lost their Friday matchups, giving the Cubs a little more breathing room as they look to remain in the hunt.

Chicago are up a half game on Milwaukee and three on the Mets for the second wildcard spot. The Philadelphia Phillies, who are also in pursuit of that spot, were idle on Friday.

Lux lifts Dodgers

Rookie Gavin Lux homered and drove in three runs as the Los Angeles Dodgers topped the New York Mets 9-2.

Bo Bichette went three for five and scored two runs for the Toronto Blue Jays in their 6-5 win against the New York Yankees.

Flowers fails

The Atlanta Braves’ Tyler Flowers was hitless in five at-bats in his team’s 5-0 victory against the Washington Nationals.

Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera went 0 for four in the Tigers’ 6-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

Miraculous LeMahieu

The Yankees’ DJ LeMahieu managed to create an incredible double play.

Friday’s results

Chicago Cubs 17-8 Pittsburgh PiratesAtlanta Braves 5-0 Washington NationalsToronto Blue Jays 6-5 New York YankeesBaltimore Orioles 6-2 Detroit TigersLos Angeles Dodgers 9-2 New York MetsOakland Athletics 14-9 Texas RangersHouston Astros 4-1 Kansas City RoyalsSt Louis Cardinals 10-0 Milwaukee BrewersColorado Rockies 10-8 San Diego PadresCincinnati Reds 4-3 Arizona DiamondbacksTampa Bay Rays 11-4 Los Angeles AngelsSan Francisco Giants 1-0 Miami MarlinsChicago White Sox 9-7 Seattle Mariners

Twins at Indians

Cleveland are right outside the playoff picture and just 3.5 games back from American League (AL) Central-leading Minnesota. The Indians are on the brink of a postseason appearance so beating their toughest divisional rivals could be huge for them as they look to build momentum.

1 votes