The Cubs entered Wednesday’s game at PNC Park with the chance to sweep the Pirates and clinch a playoff spot. After a wild opening inning where the two squads combined for seven runs, Chicago forged ahead in the middle frames to secure a postseason berth.
The North Siders jumped all over Johan Ovíedo in the top of the 1st inning, beginning with a walk, a singl,e and a balk to score the first run. Ian Happ hit the next pitch out of the park for a two-run homer, then Moisés Ballesteros followed with a solo shot to make it 4-0.
Matthew Boyd‘s struggles continued in this game when he gave up a three-run homer to Joey Bart in the bottom of the frame. Andrew McCutchen coaxed a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 2nd inning, and Pittsburgh tied the score at 4-4.
The Cubs finally broke the deadlock with three runs in the top of the 6th when Michael Busch had a sacrifice fly against Yohan Ramírez. Evan Sisk relieved him and surrendered back-to-back RBI singles to Happ and Justin Turner to give the road team a 7-4 lead.
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Aaron Civale gave Chicago three valuable innings out of the bullpen to protect the advantage and Turner provided insurance with his second RBI single in the 8th. Taylor Rogers closed out the 8-4 victory to secure a sweep and officially make the playoffs. (Box score)
Key Moment
Dansby Swanson reached first base after a throwing error by the pitcher Ramírez to begin the 6th inning rally that decided the game.
Why the Cubs Won
The offense and the bullpen overcame a bad starting pitching effort to grab a victory.
Stats That Matter
- Boyd might be getting tired as his inning total increases: 3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 5 K, 2 BB.
- Happ continues to have a huge September with three more RBIs.
- Nico Hoerner had two singles and a walk and keeps pushing for a batting title.
Bottom Line
The Cubs officially achieved the first goal on their list by making the playoffs for the first time since 2020. While they definitely want to do more this season, it’s quite an accomplishment to make the postseason whenever you can. This is just the 12th time Chicago has done it since 1945. If they are going to have any success in October, they need Boyd to be good. Skipping one of his final two starts might be a good idea to rest him for the Wild Card.
On Deck
It’s on to Cincinnati for the final series of the season against the Reds, starting Thursday at 6:15pm CT. Colin Rea goes up against Hunter Greene in a game televised exclusively on FOX with a radio feed on 670 The Score.
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