CHICAGO — The Pittsburgh Pirates’ chances of winning the NL Central were dealt a huge blow when the Chicago Cubs rallied for a 4-2 victory on Wednesday behind a three-run homer by Darnell McDonald.

Still, the postgame mood in the Pirates’ clubhouse was anything but somber.

“This is nothing new, the way our season has played out,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “We’ll continue to battle, to go play. When we get the result we want, we put that one aside and try to go get another one. When we don’t get the result we want, we wash that one and get ready for the next game.

“We have a day off in Cincinnati and we’ll be ready to hit the gas pedal again on Friday,” he said.

With three games remaining in the regular season for each team, the Pirates trail division-leading St. Louis by three games.

The Pirates, who already have clinched a playoff spot, hold a one-game lead over Cincinnati for the first wild-card slot. The Reds, who also are assured a postseason slot, host Pittsburgh for three games to finish up.

McDonald had three hits, including his homer in the sixth inning that put the Cubs ahead 4-1.

“That’s one of the things that all of us can learn from right now, is we’re trying to get where these teams are at that we’re playing down the stretch,” McDonald said. “I think every one of us in here wants to finish the season strong.”

Pirates starter Francisco Liriano (16-8) certainly wanted a stronger finish. He was over 100 pitches when McDonald came to the plate in the sixth and already had surrendered a pair of doubles to him.

Hurdle thought about making a change, but never really gave it much serious consideration.

“He wasn’t able to get the ball where he wanted on McDonald,” Hurdle said. “There’s never a time I don’t like Frank on the mound. You always hate to have to go get a guy after the runs are given up. That’s the walk of shame. That’s on me.”

Jake Arrieta (4-2) allowed one run and four hits for the Cubs. Kevin Gregg allowed an unearned run in the ninth for his 33rd save.

The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Darwin Barney hit a one-out double and scored on a single by Anthony Rizzo.