Cubs postponement, Giants loss nudges Chicago back into wild card
The Chicago Cubs didn't get to finish their series opener against the Pirates on Monday, but it didn't stop them from climbing the standings back into a wild-card spot.
While their game was postponed due to rain with the score tied 1-1 in the top of the fifth, the Cubs passed the San Francisco Giants to retake a one-half game lead for the second wild-card spot in the National League.
The Giants continued their recent struggles Monday with a 9-8 loss in 12 innings at the Atlanta Braves.
Chicago lost its grip on the second wild-card spot with a dip in play that included a home sweep by the last-place Philadelphia Phillies. But since then, the Cubs have won five of six games while the Giants have lost three of their last four.
The Cubs will make up Monday's game against the Pirates, owner of the first wild-card spot by four games over Chicago, at a time to be determined. The teams are scheduled to play Tuesday and Wednesday at Pittsburgh before the Cubs open a crucial four-game series against the Giants on Thursday at Wrigley Field.
