Cubs, Pirates look to future ahead of series opener

Two clubs looking to use the stretch run to peer toward next year meet when the visiting Chicago Cubs open a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday.

The Cubs (64-85) have won two straight, including a 4-3 road victory on Wednesday against the Miami Marlins, after a three-gamelosing streak.

Chicago's big hit on Wednesday was the 23rd homer of the season for Patrick Wisdom, who entered the game 1-for-