Cubs 7, Pirates 6
Marlon Byrd's run-scoring sacrifice fly capped a three-run eighth inning as the Chicago Cubs rallied for a 7-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday at PNC Park.
The Cubs finished off a four-game sweep and extended their season-long winning streak to five contests. Chicago didn't string together three straight wins this season until July 24.
Geovany Soto, Carlos Pena and Blake DeWitt belted home runs off Pittsburgh starter James McDonald, who allowed only one other hit over seven innings.
The Pirates scored six runs off starter Rodrigo Lopez, who lasted only four innings. Chicago's bullpen posted five scoreless innings with Carlos Marmol working a perfect ninth for his 23rd save of the season.
Pittsburgh has lost eight of nine to drop two games below .500 for the first time since June 20. The Pirates last had a winning season in 1992.