Cubs’ Craig Counsell drops honest admission after defeating Paul Skenes, Pirates

The Chicago Cubs were dealt a difficult task of defeating reigning Cy Young winner Paul Skenes on Thursday. And still, the franchise took down the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2.

Helping the Cubs’ cause was starting pitcher Colin Rea. Manager Craig Counsell knows it’s no easy feat dueling with Skenes and came with impressed with how Rea and the team battled, via Marquee Sports Network.

“When you go up against Skenes, you gotta be good, and I think Colin did a really nice job tonight and gave us a shot,” Counsell said.

“When you go up against Skenes, you gotta be good, and I think Colin did a really nice job tonight and gave us a shot.”

Craig Counsell on Colin Rea rising to the challenge tonight pic.twitter.com/s5C63P3xOA

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 29, 2026

Rea pitched 5.1 innings of two-run baseball, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out five. The trio of Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar and Trent Thorton kept the Pirates scoreless from there.

Offensively, the Cubs were able to squeak a run past Skenes in the fourth via a Seiya Sukuzi single. But their offensive explosion didn’t come until after he left the game. Chicago scored two runs in the sixth, one being unearned. They scored another three in the eighth and tacked on another in the ninth. While most of their damage came against the bullen, the Cubs were able to come out victorious in a Skenes start.

The win was much-needed for Chicago. While they had won their previous game against the Pirates, the franchise entered Wednesday on a 10-game losing streak. While the Cubs are still 31-26, their play did not match their World Series hopes.

Thanks to Rea and company though, the franchise has now won back-to-back games. Counsell is hopeful their momentum will carry over into their next series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

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