CHICAGO -- The Pirates ended the first half with a laugher while the defending World Series champion Cubs go into the All-Star break totally befuddled. Francisco Cervelli smacked a grand slam and Andrew McCutchen followed with a solo homer in a 10-run first inning to power the Pirates to a 14-3 victory over the Cubs on Sunday at Wrigley Field.
Pittsburgh starter Jameson Taillon was scratched prior to the game because of flu-like symptoms, but that didn't seem to matter. The Pirates gave substitute Chad Kuhl an ample cushion, sending 15 batters to the plate in the opening inning, 12 against Jon Lester, who threw 53 pitches before he was pulled.