If Cubs beat Pirates, Sen. Kirk gets pierogies

The stakes of Wednesday's one-game playoff between the Cubs and Pirates are getting more filling.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk of Highland Park and a Pennsylvania counterpart, Sen. Pat Toomey, have made a traditional bet of beer, pizza and pierogies over the game.

Kirk is wagering Lou Malnati's pizza and 312 beer on the game. Toomey has put up Iron City Beer and food from Pierogi Plus.

"I'm confident that with Jake Arrieta on the mound for the Cubs, I won't be handing over any Lou Malnati's deep dish or 312 beer to Pat next week," Kirk said in a statement.

Toomey's take was somewhat more aggressive.

"After another outstanding season, Andrew McCutchen, Gerrit Cole, and the Bucs are about to make the Cubs walk the plank," he said.

Politicians often make a point of betting local treasures over the outcomes of big games, and Wednesday's contest will send the winner into a full playoff series.