Chicago Cubs defeat Pittsburgh Pirates to advance to NLDS

The Chicago Cubs are headed to the National League Division Series after a 4–0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the wild-card game.

The Chicago Cubs are headed to the National League Division Series after a 4–0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the wild-card game.

Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta tossed a complete game shutout, yielding just four hits while striking out eleven batters.

Cubs rightfielder Kyle Schwarber drove in the game’s first three runs; he singled to leftfield to give Chicago a 1–0 lead, and later homered to right to extend the lead to 3–0.

Benches cleared in the seventh inning when Jake Arrieta was drilled by Pirates reliever Tony Watson. Arrieta would remain in the game to close out the win.

This marked the first postseason win for the Cubs since 2003, who will face the St Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. They’re seeking their first World Series title since 1908.

- Kenny Ducey