Chicago Cubs lose to Pirates; fall half-game back in Wild Card race

Cubs drop finale to Bucs; Prepare for big series vs. Giants

It was by far one of the best road trips the Chicago Cubs have had in their history, and they came up just short of completing a perfect trip as they fell in the finale to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 7-5. Dan Haren‘s debut wasn’t as smooth as he would have liked, but the Cubs had a few defensive miscues that cost him in the loss. 

The reliable Cubs’ bullpen surrendered three runs, and even home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo weren’t enough to get the Cubs past the Bucs. With a win over the Braves, the San Francisco Giant pulled a half-game ahead of the Cubs for the second Wild Card spot. The two team will meet for a four-game series in Chicago starting tomorrow.

The Cubs sent Rafael Soriano to the 15-day DL, then re-signed LHP Clayton Richard, who had elected for free agency after being DFA’s by the Cubs earlier this week. The team had no other options for Richard but were lucky enough to sign him again as he was added to the roster. Richard will give Joe Maddon another lefty out of the pen as well as a possible spot starter.

The winner of the upcoming Giants/Cubs series will walk away with the lead in the second Wild Card race, and this could be the Cubs biggest series of the season so far. The atmosphere will likely be electric as it’s been a while since the Cubs had meaningful games this late in the season.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Chicago Cubs come up short against Pirates in finale’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Soriano to the DL, Richard re-signs with Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Braves go quietly into the night against Giants’ Bumgarner’ – Around the Foghorn

‘Top five NL ROY candidates’ – Call to the Pen

‘Dombrowski said there were no talks of new deal with Tigers’ – ESPN.com

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