Sept. 26--Trying to secure their first National League playoff berth since 2008, the Cubs stranded the tying run at third base in the ninth inning of a 3-2 loss Friday to the Pirates. Jon Lester allowed a single to Michael Morse with the infield in that snapped a 1-1 tie in the seventh.
At the plate
Starlin Castro tripled in Chris Denorfia in the ninth, but Jorge Soler and Javier Baez struck out to end the game.
On the mound
Pedro Strop hurled a wild pitch on strike three to start the eighth, leading to what proved to be the winning run.
In the field
Shortstop Addison Russell ranged far to his left before fielding Francisco Cervelli's grounder on one knee and throwing to first for the second out in the second. Left fielder Kyle Schwarber made a diving catch to rob Josh Harrison of a hit in the fifth.
Key at-bat
Anthony Rizzo struck out with runners at first and second to end the eighth.
Key number
33 -- Multi-hit games for Kris Bryant, who went 2-for-4.
The quote
"I was telling some guys to take that in. It's a special moment you get to be a part of when 40,000 are on their feet cheering." -- catcher David Ross
Up next
Vs. Pirates, 12:05 p.m., FOX-32.
