Pirates Top Cubs, Clinch First Playoff Birth in Over 20 Years

Sep 24, 2013 6:47 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.  Neil Walker went deep in the first for Pittsburgh, which clinched its first playoff berth in 21 years.  The Pirates and Reds remain tied atop the NL Wild Card race at 90-and-67.  Charlie Morton tossed seven innings of three-hit ball in the start while Mark Melancon picked up the win.  Jason Grilli notched his 32nd save for the Bucs.  Donnie Murphy delivered a pinch-hit RBI single that tied the game in the eighth inning for Chicago.  Jeff Samardzija struck out seven in six innings of one-run ball while Kevin Gregg suffered the loss.  The Cubs have lost three out of four. 

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