Pirates' Cole to start wild-card game vs. Cubs

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has selected Gerrit Cole as his starting pitcher for Wednesday's wild-card game versus the Chicago Cubs, which will likely be played in the friendly confines of PNC Park.

"I'm just going to treat it like any other game. Obviously there's big ramifications, but it's the nature of the business," Cole said. "It's (a) vote of confidence, it's trust, it's acknowledgement for the hard work that you put in to put yourself in that position."

Cole, a first-time All-Star, is the undisputed ace of Hurdle's pitching staff, recording a 19-8 record with a 2.60 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 32 starts. He's 2-1 with a 2.13 ERA in four starts against the Cubs this season, and will likely oppose right-hander Jake Arrieta.

Pittsburgh's magic number to clinch home-field advantage in the highly anticipated contest is one heading into action Saturday.