Maholm wins again, beats Prior

[Greenhead22]

Cubs drop final home game to Pirates

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Cubs' disappointing season at Wrigley Field came to a close as rookie Nate McLouth homered for the third straight day to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates over Chicago 3-2 Wednesday.

Chicago finished 38-43 at Wrigley Field and must sweep a four-game series at Houston to finish at .500 overall.

Paul Maholm (3-1), in his sixth major league start, outpitched Mark Prior (11-7) who lost to Pittsburgh for the first time in his career. Maholm, a 23-year-old left-hander, gave up two runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings.

McLouth's fourth homer of the season, a solo shot, gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead in the fifth against Prior. Dropping to 6-1 in 11 starts against the Pirates. Prior allowed three runs -- one earned -- and six hits in five innings with seven strikeouts and four walks.

Maholm allowed one hit in the first four innings, a single by Prior in the third.