Cubs Win, Cards Don't

MILWAUKEE--The Chicago Cubs would love to host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL wild card game on Wednesday. With Jake Arrieta pitching, it might be difficult to beat Chicago no matter where that game is played.

Chicago's ace allowed two singles and struck out seven in six innings in a 6-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night, but the Cubs failed to gain ground in its bid to host the wild card contest after the Pirates beat Cincinnati 6-4 in 12 innings in Pittsburgh. The Pirates held on to a two-game lead with two games left in the regular season.

Arrieta, now 22-6 on the season, said he's locked in on Wednesday. "I don't have time for that yet," he said when asked to recount his dominant year. "Enjoy the win tonight and start getting ready for Pittsburgh on Wednesday."

Anthony Rizzo had two and three RBI, including his 31st homer, a solo shot into the Cubs bullpen in right.

Arrieta's ERA dropped to 1.77. He is 11-0 since August 1.

TONIGHT--Cubs at Pittsburgh, 6:10pm

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ATLANTA--Julio Teheran closed out the regular season just the way he wanted. Teheran pitched six strong innings and the Atlanta Braves beat the NL Central champion St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 on Friday night.

St. Louis, which opens the post season at home next Friday, was coming off a three-game series win at Pittsburgh that secured its third straight division title. Manager Mike Matheny gave most of his everyday players the night off.

Jaime Garcia (10-6) gave up six hits and two runs with two walks and five strikeouts in his shortest outing since April 19, 2013 at Philadelphia. St. Louis has been shut out in all six of his losses.

TONIGHT--Cardinals at Atlanta, 6:10pm