LESTER SOLID AS CUBS BLANK BUCCOS

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Jon Lester combined with three relievers on a four hit shutout and David Bote hit an early two run triple to propel the Chicago Cubs to a 3-0 win Thursday night over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. The win gives them a one game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division heading into the final weekend of the regular season. The Brewers were idle Thursday and open a home interleague series Friday night with the Detroit Tigers. Lester improved to 18-6 with the victory as he allowed three hits and four walks over six innings. The Cubs will host their arch-rivals the St Louis Cardinals for a three game series beginning Friday afternoon. The Cardinals come in trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 1 game for the second NL wild card. Pitching pairing for the opener has Adam Wainwright (2-3) going for the Redbirds and Kyle Hendricks (13-11) for the Cubs. Hear the action on Lite 103 WAKO beginning with the pregame at 12:45 p.m. Central Time 1:45 Eastern.