Fueled by NLDS loss to Brewers, Cubs relish chance to turn regular season’s ‘dog days’ into playoff momentum

PITTSBURGH – If these are the dog days of the season, consider the Cubs a bunch of energetic Jack Russell terriers. The vibes were detectably high after Friday night’s win over the Pirates, an extra-inning nailbiter with a division foe fighting for one of the playoff spots the Cubs currently own. It was the type of performance necessary to win in October. And though it’s still July, that’s what the Cubs – who fell to the division-rival Brewers in the NLDS last year – are itching to do: win in…