Pittsburgh. The Chicago Cubs secured their spot in the postseason after defeating the Pirates with a score of 8-4 at PNC Park, completing a sweep that unleashed joy in the North Side Chicago team. This triumph, built on an initial offensive with consecutive home runs by Ian Happ and the Venezuelan Moisés Ballesteros in the first inning, allowed the team to reach a record of 88-64. With this, the Cubs secure their place in the playoffs, with their sights set on reaching the top of the National League Central Division, where they are chasing the Milwaukee Brewers.
Manager Craig Counsell highlighted the team’s unity after qualifying for the postseason. The Cubs’ offensive also featured significant contributions from Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Justin Turner, who extended the lead in the sixth inning. From the mound, the bullpen responded efficiently, with Porter Hodge, Aaron Civale, Drew Pomeranz, and Taylor Rogers combining to hold six consecutive zeros and secure the victory. With ten games remaining on the schedule, the Cubs are keeping their divisional title aspirations alive, sitting 4.5 games behind Milwaukee, a team they would surpass in the event of a tie. This victory not only represents mathematical qualification, but also the return to a postseason celebration for a franchise that hasn’t experienced this moment since 2020, and that now dreams of conquering its fourth World Series in its history.This celebration is about enjoying what we have achieved together. Every step is important and we are going to value this one.
Craig Counsell
