Skenes struck out just two batters, a career low, and gave up loud contact from the first pitch. He retired the Cubs in order in the first but Ian Happ, Tucker and Suzuki all made loud outs, the exit velocity on all three of the outs registering more than 90 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates fell 8-3 to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, May 1, dropping the game and the series after Paul Skenes allowed a trio of home runs in the fifth inning.

The Cubs (19-13) lead the National League Central, and the Pirates (12-20) bring up the rear. The Cubs’ weekend opponent, the Brewers, were tied with the Reds for second place (16-15) going into their respective games Thursday.