The Pirates are now one game back of both the Cardinals and the Brewers after losing 6-3 to the Chicago Cubs Saturday night at PNC Park.
Kevin Correia allowed nine hits and could not escape the fourth inning for the Bucs, who were in a big hole early. They managed to scratch back thanks to an RBI groundout by Neil Walker and a two-run double by Matt Diaz that made the score 5-3 in the bottom of the fourth, but the Cubs added an insurance run in the ninth, and the Pirates couldn't put together any more offense.
Ryan Dempster picked up the win for Chicago but was shown arguing with manager Mike Quade after his start was over.
Alex Presley, Michael McKenry and Matt Diaz all picked up two hits each for the Bucs.
The Pirates will play their last game before the All-Star break at 1:35 PM Sunday at PNC. They're guaranteed a winning record in the first half, but will look to finish at four games over .500 with a very winnable matchup against journeyman Ramon Ortiz.
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