Cubs blank Pirates, win wildcard play-off

The Cubs advanced to the National League Division Series, where they will face the St. Louis Cardinals beginning Friday. But Arrieta induced Starling Marte to ground into the inning-ending double play. Kyle Schwarber flexed his hitting muscles early and often, singling to left field to score Dexter Fowler in the top of the first followed by a two run home run in the third to add to the lead.

He only lasted five innings after surrending four runs on six hits. Whether intentional or not, it drew the ire of the Bucs, who retaliated with reliever Tony Watson plunking Arrieta in his at-bat in the seventh.

Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli reacts after being hit by a pitch against the Cubs in the fifth inning of the National League wild-card game Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at PNC Park. The teams gathered around each other along the first base line but there were no punches thrown except from Pirates first baseman Sean Rodriguez, who clobbered a drink cooler in the dugout.

“Sometimes those things happen”, Arrieta said.

The Cubs advance to NL Division Series in St. Louis starting on tomorrow.

The Cubs came into the game as the visitor after finishing one game behind the Pirates in the standings, but they started off fast and did not look back.

The Pirates were shut out in the wild-card game for the second year in a row despite having the second-best record in the major leagues during the regular season at 98-64.

In a just world, the Pirates and Cubs would have opened a seven-game NLDS tonight. “A couple got away from me”. Arrieta benefited from questionable called third strikes against Jordy Mercer and Pedro Alvarez to strand Cervelli.

“The unusual part is I feel good, it’s not something we expected this year and yet now they are here”, said three-decade Cubs fan Kiljoong Kim, a 44-year-old policy analyst. It’s always been assumed that, given his age and the money he’s projected to get, the Cubs might offer him a qualifying offer and let him walk in exchange for a draft pick.

PhotoCubs pitcher Jake Arrieta warmed up before a game against the Pirates on September 27.

“Everybody saw it. You can’t hide”, Villanueva said.

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images Pirates take out their frustration on Cubs ace Jake Arrieta which leads to the benches clearing. You can’t rely on the first two batter’s to provide all the offense, especially when Maddon’s planning on subbing defense for offense late in the game.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon launched into a tirade at Wrigley Field last month when he felt like the St. Louis Cardinals were throwing at Cubs players intentionally.