MLB: Chicago Cubs 7, Pittsburgh 6

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Marlon Byrd's sacrifice fly put Chicago in front during a three-run eighth Thursday and the Cubs held on to defeat Pittsburgh 7-6.

The Pirates, one of baseball's biggest success stories during the first half of the season, suffered their seventh straight loss.

Pittsburgh overcame a three-run deficit with a six-run fourth inning and appeared ready to snap the losing streak until the Cubs rallied with their key inning. Four pitchers worked during the eighth for the Pirates, who after leading the National League Central last month have fallen seven games out of first place.

Two singles and a hit batsman loaded the bases with none out in the Chicago eighth for Aramis Ramirez, who delivered an RBI base hit. Carlos Pena drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the second run of the inning and Byrd produced his sacrifice fly for the go-ahead score.

Jeff Samardzija (6-4), the third of seven Chicago pitchers, worked a scoreless seventh inning to get the win. Carlos Marmol retired the Pirates in order in the ninth for his 23rd save.

Daniel McCutchen (3-3), the first of three Pittsburgh pitchers in the eighth, suffered the loss.