Sept. 27--The Cubs celebrated their first playoff berth since 2008 after a 4-0 loss Saturday to the Pirates extended their losing streak to three games. Left-hander Francisco Liriano limited the Cubs to four hits in 72/3 innings and struck out nine.
At the plate
Addison Russell and Dexter Fowler hit consecutive singles with two outs in the third, but Austin Jackson grounded out to short. Kris Bryant hit a double to start the fourth but was stranded at third.
On the mound
Cubs starter Jason Hammel allowed only two hits before the Pirates tagged him for five in a row in the fifth, highlighted by a three-run homer by Jordy Mercer. Rookie Carl Edwards Jr. pitched a perfect ninth with his fastball clocked at 96 mph.
In the field
First baseman Anthony Rizzo stretched to catch Russell's low and wide throw from shortstop to nail Starling Marte for the first out of the game. Second baseman Starlin Castro ranged into right field to catch Aramis Ramirez's pop under windy conditions in the fourth.
Key number
10 -- Times the Cubs have been shut out this season.
The quote
"Let them do whatever they want within the law." -- Theo Epstein on the Cubs celebrating
Up next
Vs. Pirates, 7:08 p.m. Sunday, ESPN
