Joe Maddon channeled the patriots of 1776 on Independence Day and resisted the Pirates' reckless pitching style. (Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
Joe Maddon channeled the patriots of 1776 on Independence Day and resisted the Pirates' reckless pitching style. (Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

WATCH: Highlights from Cubs' Fourth of July destruction of Pirates


by - Senior Writer -

PITTSBURGH — The contest at PNC Park between the Chicago Cubs (46-42) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (42-44) on Independence Day served as a revolutionary war of sorts between the National League Central foes. Cubs manager Joe Maddon declared his independence by resisting the taxation without representation that came in the form of his players having to deal with a multitude of high, inside pitches without so much as a warning being issued to Pirates starting pitcher Jordan Lyles.

Maddon was ejected for shouting at home-plate umpire Joe West and Pirates skipper Clint Hurdle about Lyles' reliance on pitches that were up and in, and, following the ejection, Maddon stormed after Hurdle, who chirped at Maddon from the Pirates' dugout. Restrained by West and Cubs slugger Kris Bryant, Maddon was held back from going after Hurdle, but his ejection did not hold the Cubs back whatsoever. Outscoring the Buccos 7-0 the rest of the way, the Cubs, who racked up 10 extra-base hits on Thursday afternoon, obliterated the Pirates in an 11-3 victory that finished off a 4-game series.

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