Chicago Cubs guarantee series win over Pirates; Jeff Samardzija clears waivers

With a second-straight win, the Chicago Cubs guaranteed themselves a series win while former Cub Jeff Samardzija cleared waivers in San Francisco.

Thanks to another strong start from Jake Arrieta and just enough offense, the Chicago Cubs topped the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.

The right-hander continues to make a case for his big offseason payday, after tossing six scoreless frames to pick up the win. The bullpen closed the door, giving the Cubs a chance to sweep the three-game series on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field.

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Alex Avila, Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist all came up clutch in the three-run sixth. First baseman Anthony Rizzo also came through with a big hit in the inning, a double to the wall in right field that almost took Kyle Schwarber, the runner at first, with it.

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Apart from another win over Pittsburgh, former Cubs hurler Jeff Samardzija cleared waivers, meaning he can be traded to any team on his no-trade list.

Interestingly enough, Chicago is not on that list, meaning he could be dealt back to the North Side. I offered my thoughts on this. Yes, the Cubs need pitching. No, Shark is not the answer.

Giancarlo Stanton continues to blast homers. He hit his 51st of the year in the first inning against Washington Tuesday. We looked at Sammy Sosa‘s Cubs’ legacy recently. With Stanton chasing records, Sosa may begin to fade in the record books.

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Around Baseball

‘Montgomery showing his value with each passing day’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Toronto adds former Cub Anderson to the roster’ – SportsNet Canada

‘Shark clears waivers; we don’t need him back’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Royals’ Duffy charged with DUI at Burger King’ – Sports Radio 810 WHB

‘Stanton chases history as Sosa’s legacy starts to fade’ – Cubbies Crib

Next: Breaking down the five best Cubs trades since 1980

What’s Next

Chicago and Pittsburgh conclude their three-game set on Wednesday night at the Friendly Confines.

Ivan Nova (11-11, 3.97) starts for the Pirates while Jose Quintana (8-11, 4.49) toes the rubber for the Cubs.