The Cubs offense continues to struggle – they’ve scored only nine runs in their last five games and it cost them another win as they lost Tuesday night to the meek hitting Pirates 3-2.

Anthony Rizzo provided the only firepower when he tied the game with a two-run shot in the eighth inning.

Unfortunately, Pirates outfielder Jacob Stallings got a four-bagger of his own in the bottom half of the ninth.

The Cubs however officially made the playoffs because the Philadelphia Phillies lost a doubleheader.

The Cubs have a great opportunity to get their offense going when they face Piraes pitcher Trevor Williams who has posted a 9.59 ERA with 11 homers allowed in 25 1/3 innings over his last five starts. 

The Cubs Kyle Hendricks pitches and he’s coming off one of his best performances, an eight shutout inning win over the Twins last Friday.