The Cubs entered Wednesday’s game at PNC Park with the chance to sweep the Pirates and clinch a playoff spot. After a wild opening inning where the two squads combined for seven runs, Chicago forged ahead in the middle frames to secure a postseason berth.
The North Siders jumped all over Johan Ovíedo in the top of the 1st inning, beginning with a walk, a singl,e and a balk to score the first run. Ian Happ hit the next pitch out of the park for a two-run homer, then Moisés Ballesteros followed with a solo shot to make it 4-0.