Ugly Stretch Continues for Pirates; Cubs Clinch Playoff Berth By Completing Sweep
PITTSBURGH — Wednesday’s series finale between the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park featured two divisional foes heading in polar opposite directions to end the year.
With an 8-4 loss, the Pirates (65-88) have dropped 11 of 12, while the Cubs (88-64) ensured they will be part of the National League playoff picture with a celebration to follow in the visitor’s clubhouse.
How We Got There
Key Moment
Dansby Swanson reached on a Yohan Ramírez (1-3) throwing error in the sixth and advanced to third on a throwing error from catcher Joey Bart. He scored the go-ahead run on a Michael Busch sacrifice fly and the Cubs later scored two more in the inning.
Player of the Game
Pittsburgh-native Ian Happ finished the game 2 for 4 with a home run, three RBI, a run scored and a walk.
Stat to Know
With their win, the Cubs clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2020. They became the third team to punch a ticket to the postseason this season along with the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies.
Notable Performances
- Johan Oviedo: 5.0 innings, five hits, four runs, three walks, three strikeouts, 99 pitches/60 strikes
- Joey Bart: 1 for 4, one home run, three RBI, one HBP
- Nick Gonzales: 2 for 4, one HBP
- Jared Triolo: 2 for 5
Noteworthy
- Rafael Flores recorded his first big-league hit with a double to left-center in the bottom of the third inning.
- This is the 12th time the Pirates have been swept this season and the third time in the last four series.
- The Pirates reinstated RHP Yohan Ramírez from the Major League Paternity Leave List and optioned RHP Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Up Next
The Pirates are off on Thursday and will host the A’s this weekend for their last home series of the season.
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