The 88-60 Pirates remain in control of the first National League Wild Card by a game over the surging Cubs. For this they can thank Francisco Liriano for matching the master, Kershaw, through seven superb innings -- and Andrew McCutchen for doing what he does.
It was McCutchen's two-run, two-out, full-count double down the right-field line in the third inning that set a competitive tone that held until Aramis Ramirez banged a run-scoring double in the eighth off reliever Chris Hatcher to cash in the decisive run.
"That's the kind of team we are," said Jordy Mercer, whose leadoff single in the third was followed by Liriano's single up the middle, setting up McCutchen.