And that's a wrap at Wrigley Field for the 2013 Cubs

The Cubs ended their home season at Wrigley Field on Wednesday by beating the NL Central second place Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 4-2.  It's become somewhat of a tradition for me to attend the last home game of the season with family/friends but it's definitely a letdown once that last game at the Friendly Confines is over.

Members of the Cubs bullpen high-five each other before the start of the home finale on Wednesday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players and coaches threw out 1,000 autographed baseballs to fans in the stands before Wednesday's game.  I was lucky enough to catch Outfielder Nate Schierholtz's attention, who threw me a ball that ended up being autographed by rookie Pitcher Zac Rosscup.  It really is a nice gesture for the Cubs to do this for the fans, especially after another rough season during the rebuilding process.

Autographed Zac Rosscup ball thrown to me by Nate Schierholtz (photo by Karen Burchell)

Jake Arrieta made the start for the Cubs and earned the win after giving up one run on four hits over six innings.  Arrieta came to the Cubs from the Orioles in the Scott Feldman trade in July. 

Jake Arrieta warming up in the bullpen before starting for the Cubs against the Pirates (photo by Karen Burchell)

Although the Cubs finished with a 31-50 record at Wrigley, which set a franchise record for most losses at home in a season, it was hard to tell this was the case while sitting amongst fellow loyal Cubs fans on Wednesday. 

Below are some more photos I took at the game.  Enjoy and let's hope the Cubbies can win against the Cardinals this weekend!  Tonight the rivals will play in St. Louis at 7:15pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his 10th win of the season. 

Relief pitcher Hector Rondon signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Relief pitcher Justin Grimm signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Bullpen catcher Andy Lane signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Relief pitcher Carlos Villanueva signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Assistant hitting coach Rob Deer signs autographs before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Darnell McDonald's bat - possibly the one that hit the game-winning homer? (photo by Karen Burchell)

Starlin Castro (center) walks on the field before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Donnie Murphy, Ryan Sweeney and Anthony Rizzo before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Members of the Cubs bullpen high-five before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Some of the Cubs bullpen before Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

So this is how Blake Parker occupies his time in the bullpen during games! (photo by Karen Burchell)

September call-up Brooks Raley during Wednesday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players and coaches tip their hats to fans following the conclusion of the home finale and win on Wednesday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Thanks for reading and for your support!  Keep following Cubby News for the latest Cubs news during the offseason!