While the Chicago Cubs were in the process of defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 14-4 at Wrigley Field on Monday night, they were also trading veterans Paul Maholm, Reed Johnson and Geovany Soto. Each of the players was seen hugging teammates in the dugout during the game, prompting speculation about trades. With the victory, the Cubs improve to 43-58. Pirates are now 58-44.

The Cubs broke the game open by scoring three in the fourth inning and nine in the fifth inning, a frame highlighted by three players (Darwin Barney, Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro) hitting home runs.

Cubs starter Justin Germano improved to 1-1 on the season by allowing four hits and two earned runs over five innings.

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