The Rundown: Cubs Rained Out But Gain Ground on Pirates and Cardinals, Pelicans’ Brad Markey Flirts With No-Hitter, Lottery for Single-Game Playoff Tickets Now Open

The Cubs were washed out in Philadelphia last night, yet gained ground on both teams in front of them.

The somewhat mortal-looking Cardinals were smoked by the Reds, 11-0, while the Pirates (who got a return from veteran starter A.J. Burnett) lost 6-4 in 13 innings to the Brewers.

The Cubs find themselves 7 back from St. Louis and 2.5 behind Pittsburgh.

With Thursday’s rainout, the Cubs will play a double-header tonight with game 1 starting at 4:05. Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks will get the starts tonight.

Dan Haren will be starting on Saturday but Jason Hammel will be skipped on Sunday so he can start in Tuesday’s double-header against the Pirates, writes Jesse Rogers.

It should be interesting to see what they do on Sunday. For now, the starter hasn’t been announced. They could possibly take advantage of the expanded roster and just go with a combination of bullpen guys.

Other notes

* In game 2 of the playoffs, Myrtle Beach Pelicans starter Brad Markey took a no-hitter into the 8th inning before giving up a double and an unearned run. His night was finished after 8 innings. He struck out eight, giving up only the one hit. After a long rain delay, the Pelicans held on to a 4-3 lead to even up the series at 1-1.

* The Cubs are holding a lottery for fans to buy single-game tickets for a potential Wild Card game and Division Series. Register here. The lottery will remain open until noon on Sept. 23. Good luck! But be warned, if you win a spot in the lottery, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a ticket — tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

* Originally listed with a start time of “TBD,” the game on Sept. 27 at Wrigley Field against the Pirates will be the ESPN Sunday night game. This will be the conclusion of the final home series of the season, and sure to be an exciting one. It could have serious playoff implications.

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