From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 50s
Cubs clinch postseason spot with win over Marlins
Cubs win to secure playoff berth, wild-card seeding still uncertain.
In brief
Cubs win to secure playoff berth, wild-card seeding still uncertain. The Cubs clinched a postseason spot with a 2-1 win over the Marlins on September 24, 2026, but their wild-card seeding remains unclear as they tie with the Phillies for second place in the standings. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Cubs clinch postseason spot
The Cubs secured a postseason berth with a 2-1 victory over the Marlins on September 24, 2026.
“The Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse after beating the Miami Marlins 2-1 to clinch a postseason berth on Sept. 24, 2026, at Wrigley Field.”
Key plays in game
Seiya Suzuki hit a solo home run in the fifth inning to tie the game, followed by Nico Hoerner’s go-ahead RBI single in the sixth.
“Right fielder Seiya Suzuki’s solo home run tied the game at 1 in the fifth inning, and an inning later, second baseman Nico Hoerner followed left fielder Ian Happ’s leadoff triple with a go-ahead RBI single.”
Matthew Boyd’s performance
Lefty starter Matthew Boyd pitched seven innings of one-run ball to preserve the lead and the bullpen ahead of Friday’s doubleheader in Boston.
“lefty starter Matthew Boyd was the hero of the day, throwing seven innings of one-run ball to not only keep the Marlins at bay but also preserve Craig Counsell’s bullpen ahead of Friday’s doubleheader in Boston.”
Magic number of one
The Cubs entered the game with a magic number of one, requiring just one win to clinch a postseason berth.
“The Cubs started the day likely to make it into the tournament, with a magic number of one, requiring just one win, or one Diamondbacks loss, in their final four games to make it happen.”
Wild-card standings tie
The Cubs and Phillies are tied for second place in the wild-card standings, both one game behind the first-place Padres.
“They started Thursday tied with the Phillies for second place in the wild-card standings, both teams a single game behind the first-place Padres.”
Tiebreakers and seeding
The Cubs hold the tiebreakers with both teams but their final wild-card seeding depends on the outcome of the final regular-season games.
“The Cubs hold the tiebreakers with both teams, but they’re bunched-up enough that the final few regular-season games will determine who finishes where.”
Wild-card seeding scenarios
If the Cubs earn the top wild-card spot, they host the opening-round series at Wrigley Field; otherwise, they face the top-finishing wild-card team.
“Earning the top wild-card spot and the No. 4 seed means the Cubs would host an opening-round series at Wrigley Field. Taking the second wild-card spot and the No. 5 seed would send the Cubs on the road against the top-finishing wild-card team.”
Potential road games
The Cubs could face the Braves in Atlanta if they land the No. 6 seed as the third wild-card team.
“landing in the No. 6 spot, as the third wild-card team, would mean a visit to the NL East-winning Braves in Atlanta.”
Upcoming Boston games
The Cubs travel to Boston for a doubleheader with the Red Sox, but Sunday’s season finale has been moved to Friday due to rainstorms.
“The Cubs travel to finish their regular-season schedule with three games against the Red Sox this weekend in Boston. That series has already been jumbled by forecasted rainstorms, with Sunday’s originally scheduled season finale moved to Friday as part of the aforementioned doubleheader.”
Playoffs begin Tuesday
The wild-card round of the playoffs begins on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the regular season.
“The wild-card round of the playoffs begins Tuesday.”
At a glance
The Cubs clinched a postseason spot with a 2-1 win over the Marlins on September 24, 2026, but their wild-card seeding remains unclear as they tie with the Phillies for second place in the standings.
