Cubs load bases, but can't score in extras

PITTSBURGH - Adam Frazier hit a game-ending homer in the 11th inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Sunday for a split of their four-game series.

Josh Harrison grounded out and Adeiny Hechavarria struck out before Frazier drove a 3-0 pitch from Brandon Kintzler (1-3) deep to right. It was Frazier's fifth homer of the season.

The Cubs had a prime scoring chance against Richard Rodriguez (3-2) in the top half of the inning, but came up empty. Addison Russell was picked off third by catcher Elias Diaz, and Albert Almora Jr. struck out looking with the bases loaded with two out.

NL Central-leading Chicago managed just one run in each game of the series, but took the first two behind strong pitching performances by Jon Lester and Cole Hamels.

The Cubs lost two straight for the first time since July 27-28.

Chicago jumped in front on Kyle Schwarber's 22nd homer off Jameson Taillon in the second. Schwarber belted a ball just foul past the pole in left field before driving the next pitch into the last row beyond right field.

Gregory Polanco hit a tying RBI double for Pittsburgh in the sixth. Carl Edwards Jr. then replaced Jose Quintana with runners on second and third and no outs, and wiggled out of the jam.

Quintana allowed four hits, struck out four and walked two. The veteran left-hander was just 1-3 with a 7.52 ERA in his previous four starts.

Pittsburgh had a chance to win it in the ninth after Pedro Strop walked Hechavarria and hit Frazier to load the bases. But Chicago manager Joe Maddon employed a five-man infield and Corey Dickerson grounded into a 4-9-3 double play, ending the inning.

Taillon struck out eight in six innings. He allowed five hits and walked three.