CHICAGO -- The Cubs had scored one or fewer runs against the stingy Pirates in their previous six meetings, but Jason Heyward finally broke through in the first inning on Wednesday night with a much-needed home run.
And thanks to their rivals, the Brewers, the Cubs secured a postseason spot before their game ended on Wednesday night with Milwaukee's 2-1 win over the Cardinals that eliminated St. Louis in the National League Central title chase.
Jose Osuna had given the Pirates a 1-0 lead with a home run with two out in the first against Cubs starter Jose Quintana, which quieted the crowd at Wrigley Field.