# Daniel Palencia Returns to Form

> Palencia's 2 dominant innings help Cubs clinch wild-card spot.
- Title: Daniel Palencia Returns to Form · Chicago Sun-Times | Shortify
- Summary: Palencia's 2 dominant innings help Cubs clinch wild-card spot. Daniel Palencia recorded 2 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts and 99.5 mph fastball to secure…
- Keywords: daniel palencia, cubs, cincinnati reds, wild-card, mlb playoffs, craig counsell, ryan rolison, matthew boyd, jacob webb, mlb, cubs wild-card, cubs playoff
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/19/daniel-palencia-chicago-cubs-cincinnati-reds-craig-counsell-matthew-boyd-ryan-rolison-ryan-zeferjahn-wild-card-mlb-playoffs
- Published: 2026-09-20T03:18:55.064+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: daniel palencia, cubs, cincinnati reds, wild-card, mlb playoffs, craig counsell, ryan rolison, matthew boyd, jacob webb, mlb, cubs wild-card, cubs playoff
## Palencia's comeback
Daniel Palencia returned to form with two dominant innings.

> Twenty pitches, probably executed 19
## Cubs win 5-2
Cubs beat Reds 5-2 in Cincinnati.
## Palencia's stats
Strikes 15 of 20 pitches, 99.5 mph fastball.
## Manager's view
Counsell: 'Twenty pitches, probably executed 19'.

> Twenty pitches, probably executed 19
## Cubs' closer
Palencia had 22 saves and 2.91 ERA last season.
## Post-game
Palencia retired six batters in two innings.
## Cubs' playoff push
Cubs aim for wild-card playoff spot.
## Cubs' closer situation
Cubs haven't had regular closer since Jacob Webb.
## Palencia's health
Palencia recovered from left oblique strain.
## Tyrone Taylor
Taylor starts left field against lefties.
## Ian Happ
Happ struggles against left-handed pitching.
## Justin Steele
Steele rehabbed from elbow surgery.
## Cubs' playoff hopes
Cubs aim for wild-card playoff series.
## What's next
Palencia likely to secure wild-card spot.
## Key takeaway

Daniel Palencia recorded 2 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts and 99.5 mph fastball to secure Cubs' 5-2 win over Reds, advancing them to wild-card playoffs.