Ryan O’Hearn delivered a pivotal grand slam as the Pittsburgh Pirates secured an 8-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, preventing a series sweep. The game took place at the Pirates’ home field and marked a milestone for O’Hearn, who celebrated his 33rd birthday with the fourth grand slam of his Major League Baseball career and his second this season.

The Pirates and Cubs had been engaged in a three-game series, with the Cubs winning the first two contests. O’Hearn’s powerful hit in Sunday’s game provided the boost Pittsburgh needed to close the series on a positive note. The close score underscored a competitive matchup between the teams, with both sides exchanging leads and key plays throughout the game.

O’Hearn’s grand slam proved critical in breaking a tie and ultimately securing the Pirates’ advantage late in the contest. Despite the Cubs’ efforts to come back, the Pirates maintained their lead and held on for the narrow victory.

This win offers a measure of relief for Pittsburgh after dropping the first two games of the series, allowing them to regroup as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the Cubs face the challenge of regrouping themselves following the close loss.

The game highlighted O’Hearn’s continued offensive contributions and the Pirates’ resilience in a tightly contested matchup. Both teams are expected to carry the momentum from this series into their upcoming schedules.