CHICAGO -- Jameson Taillon outpitched Cole Hamels, Francisco Cervelli hit a two-run homer and the Pittsburgh Pirates made the Chicago Cubs wait at least another day to clinch a postseason spot with a 5-1 victory on Monday night.
The Cubs needed a win plus a loss by Colorado to Philadelphia to assure a franchise-record fourth straight trip to the playoffs, a run that includes a drought-busting World Series championship in 2016. Closing in on a third straight NL Central title, the Cubs began the night with a 2 1/2-game lead over second-place Milwaukee, then lost for the third time in five games.