Cubs Chase Zero Magic Number in Playoff Push with Crucial Road Trip Ahead
The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a significant week as they set their sights on reducing their magic number to zero, a crucial step toward securing a spot in the National League playoffs.
Cubs Capitalize on Home Momentum
This past Sunday, the Cubs enjoyed a thrilling victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, edging them out 4-3 in a game that served as their final home appearance before embarking on a six-game road trip. With this win, the Cubs improved their record to 85-64 and are now on the brink of clinching their first playoff berth since 2020.
Chicago demonstrated resilience, overcoming a 3-1 deficit to snatch the win. Ian Happ ignited the offense with a solo home run in the sixth inning, followed by a crucial two-RBI double from Nico Hoerner in the seventh, sealing the victory and marking Javier Assad’s third win of the season. This win also reduced the Cubs’ magic number to five—an encouraging sign as they prepare for their final stretch of games.
Paths to the Playoffs
The Cubs have multiple avenues to lower their magic number. First and foremost, they can continue to win, as they did on Sunday. Additionally, they benefit from the misfortunes of their competitors. On the same day, the San Francisco Giants suffered a significant setback, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-2. This defeat pushed the Giants 1.5 games behind the final wild card spot, currently held by the New York Mets, and helped the Cubs trim their magic number to four.
The NL Central race has also intensified, with the Milwaukee Brewers losing to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2. Despite the loss, the Brewers maintain an eight-game magic number to clinch the division title, leaving the Cubs 5.5 games back. While a late-season surge to claim the division title may now be out of reach, the Cubs are certainly applying pressure to their division rivals.
Cubs History and Future Aspirations
The Cubs are on a mission to return to the postseason for the first time in three years. Their last playoff appearance came in 2020, when they clinched the NL Central title during a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This run marked a remarkable era for the franchise, which enjoyed five playoff trips in six seasons, including the historic 2016 World Series championship—their first title in over a century.
Magic Number Snapshot
Magic Number to Clinch Playoff Berth: 4
Games Remaining: 12
Remaining Schedule:
– Sept. 15-17: at Pittsburgh
– Sept. 18-21: at Cincinnati
– Sept. 23-25: vs. New York Mets
– Sept. 26-28: vs. St. Louis
NL Wild Card Race (as of Sept. 14)
Chicago Cubs: 85-64 (8.5 games ahead of the next competitor)
San Diego Padres: 82-68 (5 games ahead)
New York Mets: 77-73 (currently holding the last wild card spot)
San Francisco Giants: 75-74 (1.5 games behind the final wild card berth)
NL Central Update
Milwaukee Brewers: 91-59
Chicago Cubs: 85-64 (5.5 games behind)
Brewers Magic Number to Clinch NL Central: 8
Brewers Games Remaining: 12
Remaining Schedule for Milwaukee:
– Sept. 16-18: vs. Los Angeles Angels
– Sept. 19-21: at St. Louis
– Sept. 22-24: at San Diego
– Sept. 26-28: vs. Cincinnati
With the stakes high and the road ahead promising, the Cubs are poised to make a strong push as they aim to secure a playoff spot and reignite the excitement that has surrounded their franchise in years past.
