It was the last of three homers that the Cubs hit off Skenes in the fifth inning, following Dansby Swanson and Kyle Tuckers’ solo shots. Those three runs gave the Cubs their first lead of the game. And for good measure, Suzuki added a two-run homer in the seventh inning off reliever Kyle Nicolas.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki flexed his muscles in Thursday's 8-3 win over the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park to help spoil right-hander Paul Skenes' day. Serving as the designated hitter and batting out of the three-hole,

Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki all took Pirates ace Paul Skenes deep in the fifth inning as the Cubs pulled away for an 8-3 victory.