MANILA, Philippines - First baseman Anthony Rizzo’s two-run home run, his 30th of the season, started a six-run fifth inning as the Cubs rallied for a crucial 9-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.
The Cubs turned a 4-3 deficit into a 9-4 lead with the fifth-inning outburst that included a two-run double by left-handed reliever Clayton Richard (4-2) and RBI singles by rookie shortstop Addison Russell and second baseman Tommy La Stella.
The Cubs (85-61) got within two games of the Pirates (87-59) for the first wild-card berth as they seek their first post-season since 2008.