Pirates stay hot, keep pace with Cardinals

They say it's not how you start in baseball, but how you finish. The Pittsburgh Pirates are hoping that theory holds true come October.

Andrew McCutchen recorded his 200th career double and Vance Worley tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings to lead the playoff-bound Pirates over the Cincinnati Reds, 3-1, on Friday.

McCutchen's eighth-inning double cashed in Travis Snider - who doubled in the go-ahead run the previous at-bat - to power the Pirates to their 17th win in 21 games. Their recent tear helped the club secure its second straight postseason appearance after struggling to a 9-16 record in April.

It was McCutchen's 38th double of the season, placing him in a tie for sixth in the NL.

The victory closed the gap to half a game in the National League Central temporarily, but reverted back to one after St. Louis' 7-6 extra-inning win over Arizona.

Regardless of how the Central shakes out, the Pirates have guaranteed a date in the wild card play-in against the San Francisco Giants. Friday's win, coupled with the Giants' loss, ensured Pittsburgh home-field advantage should St. Louis hold on to win the division.