Jameson Taillon starts as Cubs chase Pirates sweep Sunday

Jameson Taillon takes the mound for the Chicago Cubs against Braxton Ashcraft and the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday at 12:35 CT from PNC Park, with Chicago chasing a series sweep. Taillon enters at 2-5 with a 5.38 ERA after a rough season, while the surging Cubs (25-11 since June 10) look to finish the job.

Key Takeaways

• Jameson Taillon (2-5, 5.38 ERA) faces All-Star Braxton Ashcraft (9-4, 3.95 ERA) at PNC Park.
• Chicago can complete a three-game sweep after an 11-0 win on Saturday.
• Taillon’s last PNC Park start brought four runs in five innings; Ashcraft allowed eight runs (seven earned) in three innings vs. the Yankees on July 20.
• The Cubs bullpen owns a 0.91 ERA over its last 10 innings across three games.
• First pitch is 12:35 CT on Marquee Sports Network.

Why does Jameson Taillon’s start matter today?

Taillon, a former Pirates prospect who pitched in Pittsburgh from 2016 to 2019, has struggled through 2026. Per Covers.com, he owns a 5.38 ERA with 22 home runs allowed in 72 innings, numbers markets have priced heavily against Chicago.

He missed just over a month with injury and returned after the All-Star break. His latest outing was 4.1 innings and four runs in an 8-6 loss to the Detroit Tigers. This is also his third start against the Pirates this season.

Day games have been a slight bright spot: a 4.63 ERA in six starts, versus 6.08 at night. Neither split is strong, but Sunday’s early first pitch is the better of two imperfect options.

Can the Cubs hit Braxton Ashcraft and finish the sweep?

Ashcraft has handled Chicago well in two starts this year, posting a 1.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 11.1 innings. Since June 1, though, he has a 6.05 ERA and nine home runs allowed in 41.2 innings.

His July 20 start at Yankee Stadium was a nightmare: eight runs (seven earned) in three innings with a pair of homers. He is better at PNC Park (3.68 ERA) than on the road (4.21), which is Pittsburgh’s best hope of avoiding a sweep.

The Cubs scored 11 runs Saturday and sit at 534 runs for the season, or 5.13 per game. For more viral sports and odd headlines, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub.

What else should fans know before first pitch?

Chicago is 25-11 since June 10, the best record in the National League over that stretch. The bullpen has been lights-out lately: 10 innings, five hits, one earned run, zero walks, and 12 strikeouts.

Weather around PNC Park is warm and dry with light winds blowing out to right field. Markets have listed the Cubs as slight underdogs near +108, with an over/under of 8.5 runs. The over is 7-3 in the clubs’ last 10 meetings.

Lineups were not available in early previews, so check team social channels closer to game time. Then settle in for a day game that could put a bow on a road series win in Pittsburgh.