Davis' clutch HR powers Bucs past Cubs, helps Dotel secure first MLB win

PITTSBURGH -- The winning formula has become quite simple for the Pirates. When scoring first, they are 25-11. When the Bucs don’t, they’re 3-15. Pittsburgh kept the trend going on Monday afternoon at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh took the first of a four-game series against the Cubs, as a 2-1 victory moved the Bucs (28-26) two games over .500. Henry Davis delivered a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the seventh to snap a 1-1 tie. Rookie Wilber Dotel pitched three scoreless innings out of the bullpen to earn his first career win, while Gregory Soto shut the door in the ninth for his sixth save.

Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe’s third-inning RBI double gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead.

Pittsburgh starter Carmen Mlodzinski entered Monday’s series opener fresh off five scoreless innings in St. Louis. Mlodzinski picked up where he left off against Chicago early on, tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings before Michael Busch belted a solo home run in the top of the fifth.

Despite using his fastball just 27.3% of the time through his first 11 games in 2026, Mlodzinski jumped out of the gate, throwing 13 fastballs in his first 14 pitches. He worked into jams in the second and third innings, but erased the threats without any crossing the plate in the frames.

Pittsburgh played the final seven innings without manager Don Kelly, who was ejected in the bottom of the second after arguing a reviewed hit by pitch.