Cubs Target NL Playoff Spot with Key Series Against Cardinals
The Chicago Cubs find themselves on the cusp of securing the No. 4 seed in the National League playoffs as they prepare for a pivotal series against the St. Louis Cardinals. With the opportunity to clinch a home playoff series looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Recent Performance and Current Standings
Despite a setback against the New York Mets, where they fell 8-5 at Wrigley Field, the Cubs (89-70) have already clinched a playoff berth. The Mets (82-77) needed the win more urgently, bolstered by home runs from Francisco Lindor and Brett Baty, which overshadowed the Cubs’ efforts, including two long balls from Seiya Suzuki and another from Dansby Swanson.
As the Cubs strive for postseason positioning, they are keenly aware that the San Diego Padres are hot on their heels, sitting two games back. The Padres were idle on Thursday, gearing up for their final series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which adds another layer of complexity to the playoff race.
Magic Number and Path to Clinching
Following their loss to the Mets, the Cubs’ magic number to clinch the coveted No. 4 seed remains at two. While a victory on Thursday would not have guaranteed the seed, it could have reduced their magic number to one. The Cubs can secure the No. 4 seed on Friday if they triumph over the Cardinals and the Padres lose to the Diamondbacks.
In a strategic move, the Cubs have announced that Colin Rea will take the mound on Friday, hoping to lead them to victory and inch closer to their playoff aspirations.
Wild Card Race Heating Up
The playoff picture is not just about the Cubs and Padres. The Mets’ recent victory keeps them one game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds, who are also vying for the final wild card spot. As the regular season winds down, the competition for this last berth is intensifying, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.
The Cubs are poised and ready to make their mark as they chase playoff glory, but they will need to capitalize on this critical series against the Cardinals to solidify their standing. The countdown to the postseason is on, and every game matters.
