The Chicago Cubs gained ground in the National League Central division race after an extra innings victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ian Happ had a two RBI hit in the 10th inning and then Adbert Alzolay held on to secure a 5-4 win and record his 20th save of the year.
Ian Happ delivered a clutch base hit in the 10th inning as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates.
To begin the 10th, in which a runner automatically starts on second base, Mike Tauchman advanced to third after a ground out by Nico Hoerner. Dansby Swanson then drew a walk and later advanced to second base after a wild pitch. This set up a two RBI chance for Ian Happ who went on to plate both runs with a lazy single into left field.
In the bottom of the inning Adbert Alzolay did allow the ghost runner to score on a SAC fly, but he otherwise faced the minimum three batters and secured a Cubs victory. This win, with the Milwaukee Brewers not playing and Cincinnati Reds losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks, brought the Cubs to just three games back of first place in the division and also gave them sole possession of the second Wild Card spot.
Game two between the Cubs and Pirates is scheduled to begin at 6:05 PM CT on Friday with Kyle Hendricks squaring off against Mitch Keller.
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