Home field advantage didn't help the Pirates or Yankees and both teams scored a combined total of zero runs in their Wild Card games.
My beloved Cubs took the early lead and didn't look back. Jake Arrieta pitched a complete game (which is damn near unheard of in post season play) and showed any and everyone who didn't know him before that he was a force to be reckoned with. After getting hit by a Pirates pitcher in the top of the 7th inning, which resulted in bench clearing talk fest (with one punch thrown), Arrieta poured salt on the Pirates wound and stole second. He then returned to the mound and finished the game.
The Pirates had a real shot to do some damage in the 6th inning when they had the bases loaded with only one out, but Arrieta was able to compose himself and force an inning ending double play. It was all downhill for them from there.
On the AL Side, Houston held the Yankees to just three hits and were never in any real danger. The Yankees only had a runner left in scoring position one time and never really challenged Houston after they took the early lead.
Both teams now go on to play the number one seeds in each division.
The Cubs have never (seriously, never) played the Cardinals, their hated rival, in the post season and this series will be one for the ages. There is perhaps no greater rivalry in sports (I know I'm biased) than the Cards and Cubs. And while the Cards may have the home field advantage, the Cubs have been on absolute fire these past two months and haven't lost a game since September 26th. It's going to be one hell of a series.
Houston will be heading to Kansas City and I have a feeling that series will be a little less dramatic. KC is one hell of a team and the hands down favorite to make it to the World Series.