Cubs on the Brink of Postseason Glory as Magic Number Hits One
The Chicago Cubs are tantalizingly close to clinching their first postseason appearance since 2020. A decisive 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night, highlighted by a home run from Michael Busch and five solid innings from pitcher Cade Horton, has reduced their magic number to just one. With only 11 games left in the season, the Cubs stand poised to secure a Wild Card berth with a win in Wednesday’s matchup against the Pirates.
Wild Card Chaos Favors Chicago
Sitting 9.5 games ahead in the Wild Card standings, the Cubs have established a comfortable margin over a crowded field vying for the final playoff spots. The San Diego Padres trail by five games for the top Wild Card position, while the New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Francisco Giants scramble for a chance at the playoffs. The situation became even more favorable for Chicago after the Giants fell to the Diamondbacks in both Monday and Tuesday’s games, further smoothing their path toward October glory.
Wrigley Dreams of October Nights
Securing a playoff spot is just the beginning; the Cubs are also aiming to secure the No. 4 seed, which would grant them home-field advantage in the Wild Card round. This is particularly significant for a team that has ignited a late-season surge at Wrigley Field, where the atmosphere promises to be electric as fans dream of October nights filled with baseball.
Division Chase on Life Support
Despite the excitement surrounding the Wild Card race, the Cubs still find themselves trailing the Milwaukee Brewers, who won again on Tuesday, maintaining a five-game lead in the National League Central. The Cubs are not throwing in the towel, though; their primary focus remains on clinching a postseason spot, regardless of the division standings.
Ending the Drought and Evoking Memories
For the Cubs, this potential playoff appearance would mark the end of a five-year drought, breaking a streak that dates back to the COVID-affected 2020 season. For fans who fondly recall the Cubs’ October runs from 2015 to 2020—culminating in the historic 2016 World Series victory—this current push feels like a revival of their team’s once-celebrated relevance.
Road Ahead Looks Promising
Looking ahead, the Cubs’ remaining schedule appears favorable. With one more game in Pittsburgh, followed by a four-game series in Cincinnati, and a final homestand against the Mets and the Cardinals, Chicago’s path to clinching a playoff spot could unfold within hours. As their magic number stands at one, the anticipation builds—will Wrigley Field once again be the host of playoff baseball?
