Pirates Edge Cubs, Keep Pace In Wild Card Race; Game Two Tonight

Sep 24, 2013 6:29 AM

Starling Marte homered in the top of the ninth to lift the Pirates to a 2-1 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Pittsburgh clinched its first playoff spot since 1992. Donnie Murphy delivered a pinch-hit RBI single that tied the game in the eighth inning for Chicago, which has lost three out of four. Jeff Samardzija struck out seven in six innings of one-run ball but Kevin Gregg took the loss.

The Cubs and Pirates go at it again tonight from Wrigley Field. Pittsburgh remains in a race for the NL Central lead with the Reds and Cardinals. Chris Rusin gets the start for Chicago while the Bucs counter with Gerrit Cole. First pitch is set for 7:05.