Cubs’ historic rally in 9th eliminates SF

SAN FRANCISCO — The epitaph on the San Francisco Giants’ season, which became clear as the regular season elapsed, could be etched in stone Tuesday. The team’s bullpen was helpless, in every sense of the word.

Meanwhile, the opportunistic Chicago Cubs were all too eager to capitalize. They rallied for four ninth-inning runs against four Giants relievers to secure a 6-5 victory in Game 4 of the National League Division Series. The Cubs captured the best-of-five showdown, 3-1, and advanced to a meeting in the NL Championship Series, with Game 1 set for Saturday at Wrigley Field against either the Nationals or Dodgers on FOX/FS1 with game time TBD.

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Game Date Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 7 CHC 1, SF 0 Gm 2 Oct. 8 CHC 5, SF 2 Gm 3 Oct. 10 SF 6, CHC, 5 (13) Gm 4 Oct. 11 CHC 6, SF 5 • Giants vs. Cubs NLDS coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Giants

The Giants spoiled a magnificent performance by starter Matt Moore, who allowed two runs and two hits in eight innings. San Francisco built a 5-2 lead, with Moore contributing a fourth-inning RBI single.

Then San Francisco’s house of cards collapsed. Kris Bryant singled off Derek Law and Anthony Rizzo coaxed a walk from Javier Lopez. Ben Zobrist then doubled off Sergio Romo as Bryant scored. In came Will Smith, who permitted pinch-hitter Willson Contreras’ two-run single up the middle that tied the score.

“It kind of gives you an empty stomach to go out like this,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “But these guys, last two weeks have been playoff games, they played their hearts out. And it’s a tough way to go out, but what a great job they did, going back to the last home stand, Wild Card, and these were hard-fought games.”

Jason Heyward’s grounder …

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