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CHICAGO -- The Pittsburgh Pirates chances of winning the NL Central were dealt a huge blow when the Chicago Cubs rallied for a 4-2 victory on Wednesday behind a three-run homer by Darnell McDonald. Still, the postgame mood in the Pirates clubhouse was anything but sombre. "This is nothing new, the way our season has played out," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "Well continue to battle, to go play. When we get the result we want, we put that one aside and try to go get another one. When we dont get the result we want, we wash that one and get ready for the next game. "We have a day off in Cincinnati and well be ready to hit the gas pedal again on Friday," he said. With three games remaining in the regular season for each team, the Pirates trail division-leading St. Louis by three games. The Pirates, who already have clinched a playoff spot, hold a one-game lead over Cincinnati for the first wild-card slot. The Reds, who also are assured a post-season slot, host Pittsburgh for three games to finish up. McDonald had three hits, including his homer in the sixth inning that put the Cubs ahead 4-1. "Thats one of the things that all of us can learn from right now, is were trying to get where these teams are at that were playing down the stretch," McDonald said. "I think every one of us in here wants to finish the season strong." Pirates starter Francisco Liriano (16-8) certainly wanted a stronger finish. He was over 100 pitches when McDonald came to the plate in the sixth and already had surrendered a pair of doubles to him. Hurdle thought about making a change, but never really gave it much serious consideration. "He wasnt able to get the ball where he wanted on McDonald," Hurdle said. "Theres never a time I dont like Frank on the mound. You always hate to have to go get a guy after the runs are given up. Thats the walk of shame. Thats on me." Jake Arrieta (4-2) allowed one run and four hits for the Cubs. Kevin Gregg allowed an unearned run in the ninth for his 33rd save. The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Darwin Barney hit a one-out double and scored on a single by Anthony Rizzo. The Pirates tied it in the third when Justin Morneau walked with the bases loaded to score Starling Marte. Arrieta avoided a bigger inning by getting the next batter, Garrett Jones, to ground out. The Pirates wasted other scoring chances. They had a runner on second with two outs in the fifth. Morneau hit a leadoff double in the sixth and advanced to third with one out, but was stranded when Pedro Alvarez grounded out and Tony Sanchez struck out. "If we make three good outs, its a 4-4 game going into the ninth," Hurdle said. "Just by getting outs. Runners on third base with less than two outs is one of the challenges weve had all season. We have to find a way to cash in in those situations. Its tough to keep pitching without a safety net." While the Pirates slipped back in the division race, they do have the safety net of knowing theyll be in a playoff game next week regardless of what happens in Cincinnati. "We just have to go there and play," Liriano said. "Were not going to try to do too much or change anything. We just have to go out there and play, game by game." NOTES: Dale Sveum doesnt know if hell be coming back for a third season as manager of the Cubs. Sveum is under contract to return for 2014, but team president Theo Epstein has said all jobs will be evaluated after another losing season. "Im not going to sit here and lie that youre not wondering whats going to happen in four to five days from now. Thats just human nature," Sveum said Wednesday before the game. Sveum expects to hear about his future shortly after the season ends Sunday. "Thats part of the gig," he said, "is knowing the day after the season." ... Marte stole three bases, the most by a Pirates player since Andrew McCutchen on June 15, 2010. ... The Cubs are off Thursday before opening a three-game series Friday in St. Louis with LHP Travis Wood (9-11) facing RHP Lance Lynn (14-10). ... Pirates RHP A.J. Burnett (9-11) takes on Cincinnatis Homer Bailey (11-11) on Friday. Stitched Reds Jerseys . The Jets have now won three straight at home and four of the last five at the MTS Centre. After a scoreless first period, Brad Marchand scored his first goal in eight games eight seconds into the second. Cheap Reds Jerseys . - The New Orleans Saints have re-signed receiver Joseph Morgan for one year and have agreed to a four-year deal with free agent fullback Erik Lorig. https://www.cheapredsjerseys.us/ . Never caused problems. Never raised a ruckus. Never got sick or hurt while frolicking in the fields of Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky. Reds Jerseys 2019 . All of 46 seconds into the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 victory over Alex Ovechkins struggling Washington Capitals, Crosby assisted on Chris Kunitzs goal. Fake Reds Jerseys . The Brazilian-born strikers brace drew him level with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo as the leagues leading scorers with 17 goals apiece through 16 rounds. "The important thing is to help the team win, not the goals," Diego Costa said. After a first half dominated by defence, Atletico pressed Valencia into its area and Diego Costa did the rest.TSN football analyst Chris Schultz breaks down all the teams and each division in the NFL leading up to the regular season. First, the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets in the AFC East. Buffalo Bills The most immediate question for the Buffalo Bills is how do you go from a 6-10 record to 10-6 and how do you become a playoff team? For 14 years the Bills have not been a playoff team, and thats significant because no other team in the NFL has had an absence longer than the Bills. The most obvious statement is the most relevant in that the quickest success will depend on how quickly E.J. Manuel improves as a quarterback. Right now he is good but he has to become great as soon as possible. The organization has taken risks, understanding that the time is now for Manuel by obtaining Sammy Watkins at a high price and dismissing Stevie Johnson at a low price for locker room harmony. Every indication from everyone is that Watkins is the "real deal" in every way which more than any other aspect of football enhances the hope of continued fast track development of Manuel. Defensively another experiment to watch is the switch from Mike Pettine to Jim Schwartz at coordinator means a change from 3/4 to 4/3. I dont think this will be a long stretch to master over time because in many ways the Bills presently have more in the way of quality defensive linemen than quality and quantity of exceptional linebackers. In another statement of true reality you cant overstate that the injury to Kiko Alonso is devastating. Alonso was on his way and may be back on his way in 2015 but without him as a middle linebacker a void is evident. Alonso to me was the next London Fletcher for Washington or back a few more years, Zach Thomas for Miami. Will the Bills make the playoffs? I dont think so but head coach Doug Marrone quietly did a very good job in the AFC East and last year lost two games by three points or less and we all remember the Chiefs game, 23-13, with the points separation coming on an interception for a touchdown. I have the Buffalo Bills to finish second in the AFC East. Miami Dolphins Last year may have been the most difficult year in the history of the Miami Dolphins. The eight-win and eight-loss season with two disastrous losses at Buffalo and home to the Jets to end the season made a possible 10-6 campaign only 8-8. From realistic playoff hopes to average was disappointing but nothing compared to the teams internal breakdown of class and dignity. How the team reacts this year will be interesting to see but you have to think it will be positive. Players will be more comfortable in the high testosterone world of an NFL locker room and by being comfortable will be able to concentrate at a higher level. What happened in Miami was an embarrassment to football and especially football players. Many looked at NFL players as walking neanderthals of limited intelligence thanks to the actions of a very few. It wont be an issue this year as the rules are crystal clear and those who dont abide dont get paid. On the field Ryan Tannehill has to have his best season as a pro. Problem is its a new high-tempo offence with Bill Lazor as coordinator taking over from Mike Sherman who I imagine Tannehill was very comfortable with. Miamis running game has not been dominant in many years but with the addition of Knowshon Moreno that may change. What has to change is Mike Wallace and his role. What was hoped for was for Wallace to be a smaller version of Randy Moss and that may still come to fruition. Last year for whatever the reason you cant say Mike Wallace changed games. I think Miami has very good line of scrimmage players. The offensive line will have four new starters with only Mike Pouncy returning at centre and the defensive front-seven is good. The key is Dion Jordan out of Oregon. A first-round pick in 2013, he needs to take that giant step forward and become the next Jason Taylor. The physical skills are similar but Jordan has to commit to football on and off the field. If Dion Jordan and Cameron Wake play their best, the Dolphins third-down pass rush could be exceptional. This is a big year for Joe Philbin as a head coach. Some were complimentary about how he handled all the issues the Dolphins had to handle. He handled things after they happened, but they still should never have happened. Miami football is improving but I dont see a giant move forward. Opening day on Sept. 7 will say a lot. New England at Miami is a 1pm game so heat will be a Dolphin advantage. Can they make the most of it? Ive got Miami to finish third in the AFC East. New England Patriots The New England Patriots are a pretty amazing foootball organization.ddddddddddddHave they made some mistakes? Absolutely. Incorrectly evaluating Aaron Hernandez and not being able to draft successful defensive backs come to mind but you can make the argument theyre very resilient and adaptable. In what is an amazing football fact, the Patriots had 10 games last year that were decided in the final 40 seconds of play, eight of which were decided in the final 16 seconds. This is a battle tested team. And a heathier team. The two best players on New Englands defence were Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo. Mayo missed the final 12 games and Wilfork the final 14. Those were major losses in leadership and ability. Still, it did create significant playing time for Jamie Collins as a rookie. He is one of the stars of the future; athletically there are few if any his superior at linebacker. With Darrelle Revis and eventually Brandon Browner at cornerback, and Tommy Kelly at defensive tackle, as long as a health catastrophe does not happen, New England could have the best defensive football team theyve had in many years. And speaking of health, Rob Gronkowski has had his share of adversity. A back injury, an arm twice, and a knee; his body is his greatest combatant. When it comes to playing the game, it flows easy for him and he makes it look easy. If he stays healthy, everything changes for Tom Brady to the positive. Another point of optimism is the three young receivers from last year: Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson, and Kembrell Thompkins. All three being in their second year as pro football players makes a world of difference in playbook mastery and performing over a 16-game schedule. I would not be surprised at all if what was a weakness last year is a strength this year, particularly in terms of depth. This is an amazing pro football success story in New England; it is all business all the time with high pressure. And if you cant thrive in that atmosphere, then you cant play for the Patriots. At quarterback, Brady will be 37 when they play the Dolphins on September 7th: older, wiser, and maybe even better. They did draft Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round out of Eastern Illinois but the best up and coming quarterback on the roster is Ryan Mallett: 66 and 245 pounds with a Joe Flacco arm. What happens with Ryan Mallett as he edges to free agency will be interesting. Patriots win the AFC East…again. New York Jets I dont know why but I dont believe in the Jets. Maybe its Rex Ryans excessively optimistic outlook or the inability to create a starter in Mark Sanchez last year, but I dont believe in the Jets. The bottom line is Geno Smith will have to have a year in which rather than throwing 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions he throws 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Logic says thats not going to happen and I like logic. The strengths of the Jets will be depth at running back and a very good defensive live. Their weakness is easy to identify. Their pass offence was 31st last year and their pass defense was 22nd. I dont know of many playoff teams that dont have a pass offence ranked 15th or higher, and to improve 17 levels would be amazing in one year. The signing of Chris Johnson is interesting. He is a "home run" hitter at 29-years-old that has carried the ball 1,742 times in his career. He is good but need to be great. His personal explosiveness in combination with the power of Chris Ivory does make an interesting backfield battle for playing time. Another challenge that has nothing to do with players is the schedule. After they play the Raiders at home they playAaron Rodgers and the Packers in Green Bay, Jay Cutler and the Bears on Monday night, Mathew Stafford and the Lions, at San Diego against Philip Rivers and the Chargers, then Peyton Manning and the Broncos followed four days later by Tom Brady and the Patriots in New England. From Manning on a Sunday to Brady on a Thursday; Calvin Pryor and Dee Milliner will be tested at safety and cornerback. After that set of six games against arguably six of the best quarterbacks, if the Jets have a winning record I will be surprised. I think for the Jets to win they have to go back to their 2009 and 2010 teams which were run first, everything else second. It did provide them with 2 AFC Championship experiences and oh so close to a Super Bowl experience. Not sure if offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg agrees. The division is getting tougher too. Buffalo is in the second year with EJ Manuel at the helm, while Miami eliminated their internal immaturity. And then of course theres New England. I now know why I dont believe in the Jets. Fourth in the AFC East. ' ' '