PITTSBURGH — Wednesday’s series finale between the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park featured two divisional foes heading in polar opposite directions to end the year.
With an 8-4 loss, the Pirates (65-88) have dropped 11 of 12, while the Cubs (88-64) ensured they will be part of the National League playoff picture with a celebration to follow in the visitor’s clubhouse.
How We Got There
Key Moment
Dansby Swanson reached on a Yohan Ramírez (1-3) throwing error in the sixth and advanced to third on a throwing error from catcher Joey Bart. He scored the go-ahead run on a Michael Busch sacrifice fly and the Cubs later scored two more in the inning.
Player of the Game
Pittsburgh-native Ian Happ finished the game 2 for 4 with a home run, three RBI, a run scored and a walk.
Stat to Know
With their win, the Cubs clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2020. They became the third team to punch a ticket to the postseason this season along with the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies.
Notable Performances
Johan Oviedo: 5.0 innings, five hits, four runs, three walks, three strikeouts, 99 pitches/60 strikes
Joey Bart: 1 for 4, one home run, three RBI, one HBP
Nick Gonzales: 2 for 4, one HBP
Jared Triolo: 2 for 5
Noteworthy
Rafael Flores recorded his first big-league hit with a double to left-center in the bottom of the third inning.
This is the 12th time the Pirates have been swept this season and the third time in the last four series.
The Pirates reinstated RHP Yohan Ramírez from the Major League Paternity Leave List and optioned RHP Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Up Next
The Pirates are off on Thursday and will host the A’s this weekend for their last home series of the season.