Good morning, Chicago.

Ian Happ's pregame analysis of the Cubs' offensive struggles proved prophetic.

Not much had been going right for the Cubs entering Wednesday, riding a 10-game losing streak and losers in 14 of their last 16 games. With Pirates ace Paul Skenes looming in Thursday's series finale at PNC Park, this represented an ideal matchup to end the skid against at-times-wild right-hander Bubba Chandler.

"Generally, the expected numbers or xwOBA (expected weighted on-base average) will tell you the story of contact," Happ told the Tribune, "and if you're doing things right and if we continue to get guys on base, at some point we're going to score a bunch of runs."

The Cubs put 23 runners on base, including 14 hits, en route to a 10-4 victory that ended the 10-game losing streak. Nine Cubs tallied at least one hit while five drove in at least one run.

"Whatever you want to call it, monkey off your back, whatever, it 's nice it's gone," manager Craig Counsell said.

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