After taking two of three from their first three opponents, the Pittsburgh Pirates came into Wrigley and swept the defending World Series champs. The Cubs had their moments, though: they had plenty of baserunners and the bullpen made only a couple mistakes. A lack of timely hitting and solid relief pitching led to Pirate comebacks and find a bit of an early logjam in the NL Central with both the Bucs & Cubs mired at .500 while Cincinnati and the incoming Brewers atop the division.

The Cubs World Series celebration continued this week with the championship ring presentation Wednesday following the banner raising on Monday. The rings, 108 years in the making, spared no detail in celebrating the relief of the longest drought in professional sport. 108 diamonds encrust the mammoth piece of jewelry, with representations of the Wrigley Field marquee, player name and number, the 'W' flag, the final postseason series totals, and notably, a goat's head. The Cubs have now taken two of three from each of their first three opponents and look to do more against the Pittsburgh Pirates as they put the 2016 World Series championship celebrations in the rearview mirror.

Everything you need to know to start your day.

John Geils passed away yesterday at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of influential rock and rhythm. Lin recollects first seeing him at a concert that the internet doesn't even remember.

Everything you need to know to start your day.