Chicago clinches: Cubs earn postseason spot for first time since 2020

Chicago’s long-awaited return to October arrived in undeniable fashion. On Sat., Sept. 27, Michael Busch launched two homers and racked up four RBIs, fueling a 7–3 win over St. Louis that officially locked up the top National League Wild Card and ensured the Cubs will host their Wild Card series on their home turf. This milestone followed their earlier clinch of a postseason berth, achieved with an 8–4 victory over the Pirates on September 17.

This postseason drive has been years in the making. Chicago had not reached the playoffs in a full-season campaign since 2018, and they last appeared in any sort of October baseball during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Their magic number to clinch dropped to one thanks to clutch pitching and timely hitting late in the season. In Pittsburgh, starter Matthew Boyd struggled early, but the bullpen held strong and led Chicago to that key September 17 clinching win.

You may also like these Chicago Star articles: 

• From Sundance to silence: Film legend Robert Redford dies at 89

• Chicago adding 50 new speed cameras in 2025

• Dr. Jane Goodall headlines Lincoln Park Zoo fundraiser

• 'All for the Love of Chicago': A new campaign to reclaim the city's story

Now with their postseason fate sealed, the Cubs have earned home-field advantage in the Wild Card round, avoiding a cross-country trip and reinforcing Wrigley Field’s role as a stage for meaningful October baseball. They’ll open the best-of-three series at Wrigley starting September 30 against the San Diego Padres, who also clinched a berth earlier this week. But even as the spotlight shifts to October, the Cubs are mindful that the journey isn’t over—they’ve got goals yet to fulfill.

Sources:

Chicago Tribune

SFGate

MLB.com