'27

That's a wrap, fans. The Chicago Cubs overcame a staggering number of injuries to make the playoffs this season, but went 11-15 in September – and 2-6 in their final eight regular season games – to lose home field for the NL Wild Card Series and have to travel to San Diego, where they scored just one run in two NLWCS games. Ya can't win if ya don't score.

Congratulations to the Padres, who steamrolled their way into the playoffs and are firing on all cylinders.

The North Siders' 89-win, second-place finish was an exciting ride, and Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic 40/40, MVP-caliber season was an absolute joy to watch.

 

Still, those injuries, some head-scratching roster and managerial decisions, and the imbalance between runs scored (1st in NL) and ERA (7th in NL and lowest among NL playoff teams) exasperated fans at times.

Enjoy the rest of the playoffs and look here for a more thorough 2026 Cubs season recap sometime after the World Series.

 

Thanks for following the Cubs Magic Number all season and go Cubs go!

 

 

0

The Cubs have clinched a Wild Card berth and will head to San Diego for a best-of-three Wild Card Series!

The Cubs won 2 out of 3 in last year's NLWCS against the Padres.

Game 1 is Tuesday, time TBA. We'll reset the CMN then!

Hey, MLB:  how about canceling Sunday's game against the Red Sox in Tampa?!?

Go Cubs go!

CMN Founder Mister Pickles

3

The Cubs have clinched a Wild Card berth and will begin postseason play on Tuesday! Their opponent – and the location of the series – are yet to be determined.

 

Their magic number to host the NLWCS is 3, since they will host only if they win Sunday and the Padres lose Saturday & Sunday.

 

Go Diamondbacks and GO CUBS GO!

 

2016 World Series Champion David Ross

 

0

HOLY COW! The Cubs have clinched a Wild Card berth with Thursday's 2-1 win over the Marlins!

The CMN for the top WC slot and home field for all NLWCS games is down to 4! A Padres loss Thursday night would lower it to 3.

 

And Pete Crow-Armstrong is the 7th MLB player EVER to achieve a 40 HR, 40 SB season! 

 

Matt Boyd had a dominant start (7 IP, 1 ER, 3 K) while Ryan Zeferjahn and Daniel Palencia combined for two no-hit innings to seal the victory for the North Siders.

 

PCA led off the bottom of the 1st with a walk and promptly stole second, getting a prolonged standing ovation from the Wrigley faithful. Seiya Suzuki got the Cubs on the board with a solo homer in the 5th, and in the 6th, Ian Happ led off with a triple and scored on Nico Hoerner's RBI single.

 

 

The Men in Blue head to Boston for a three-game weekend set that begins Friday. With a nasty storm headed toward New England, MLB has moved Sunday's game to Friday, creating a day/night doubleheader.

 

Saturday's game is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. ET, but is subject to change. Winds Friday are expected to be 20-30 MPH with gusts to 45 MPH, and on Saturday 1-2" of rain are expected along with sustained winds of 25 MPH gusting to 50. Sunday's forecast isn't any better.

MLB is reportedly trying to avoid scheduling any games on Monday, as it's a league-wide off day before the Wild Card Series begin. Postponing Saturday's game to Sunday and relocating it to another park isn't out of the question.

 

 

159 games down, 3 to go!

GO CUBS GO!

1

Hey hey! One more Cubs win or Arizona loss would clinch a Wild Card berth!

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

 

Top WC & Home Field:  5

Wild Card:  1

 

The North Siders host Miami Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon before heading to Boston for a Friday doubleheader and a Saturday night game to close out the regular season.

 

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Philly hosts the Brewers, Arizona is at Colorado, and San Diego is at the Dodgers.

157 games down, 5 to go!

 

Go Cubs go!

 

 

2

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Reds 5-2 on Saturday behind a nice start from Matt Boyd (5 IP, 1 ER, 4 K) and home runs from Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson!

Cubs Magic Numbers:

•Top Wild Card & Home Field:  7

•Wild Card:  2

The series wraps up Sunday in Cincinnati.

The North Siders sit atop the NL Wild Card race, as they have the same record as San Diego but hold the tiebreaker (a 5-1 record in the season series) and a one game lead over Philadelphia, against whom they also hold the tiebreaker.

They hold a five game lead over Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they also hold the tiebreaker against the D-backs.

155 games down, 7 to go!

Go Cubs go!

2016 World Series Champion Tommy LaStella

3

Friday in the NL playoff race:  Cubs lose, Phillies lose, Arizona loses, Miami loses, and San Diego wins.

Cubs Magic Numbers:

1st Wild Card & Home Field:  8
Wild Card:  3

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

2 at Cincinnati
3 vs. Miami
3 at Boston

The Cubs currently sit atop the NL Wild Card race and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games since they hold the tiebreakers against the Phillies and Padres; all three teams have identical records.

The North Siders sit five games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

154 games down, 8 to go.

Go Cubs go!

5

Hey hey! The Cubs beat Atlanta 8-4 on Wednesday behind a quality start from Shota Imanaga (6 IP, 1 ER, 8 K), two home runs from Pete Crow-Armstrong, and 4 RBI from Alex Bregman!

 

PCA went 3-for-4 with two HRs, a walk, and a triple while Bregman also went 3-for-4 with a home run, double, and a triple.

 

Meanwhile, the Phillies and Padres won while the Diamondbacks lost to the Marlins.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

1st Wild Card & Home Field:  9
Wild Card:  5

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

3 at 71-81 Cincinnati
3 vs. 76-77 Miami
3 at 82-70 Boston

The Cubs currently sit atop the NL Wild Card race and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, 1/2 game ahead of the Phillies. They also hold the tiebreaker (a 6-1 record in the season series).

 

The North Siders sit five games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

 

153 games down, 9 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

2016 World Series Champion Albert Almora

 

Tonight's Ballgame!
Image Credit:  CMN Regular Fally 

6

Tuesday in the NL playoff hunt:  Cubs lose to the Braves, Phillies lose, Arizona loses, and the Brewers clinch the Central.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

1st Wild Card & Home Field:  10
Wild Card:  6

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

1 vs. 89-63 Atlanta
3 at 70-81 Cincinnati
3 vs. 75-77 Miami
3 at 82-69 Boston

The Cubs currently sit atop the NL Wild Card race and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, 1/2 game ahead of the Phillies. They also hold the tiebreaker (a 6-1 record in the season series).

 

The North Siders sit four games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

 

152 games down, 10 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

2016 World Series Champion Carl Edwards, Jr.

7

Holy mackerel! The Cubs beat the Braves 7-3 on Monday behind a nice start from David Peterson (6 IP, 1 ER, 7 K) and a 4-for-5 night (HR, 2B, SB, 4 RBI) from Pete Crow-Armstrong!

 

PCA's homer was his 42nd of the season, and his stolen base was his 37th. With that homer, Pete ties Hall of Famer Billy Williams for the most home runs in a season by a left-handed Cubs hitter. Sweet Swinging Billy accomplished the feat in 1970.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  22
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  11
Wild Card:  7

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

2 vs. 88-62 Atlanta
3 at 70-80 Cincinnati
3 vs. 74-76 Miami
3 at 82-68 Boston

The Cubs currently sit atop the NL Wild Card race and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, 1/2 game ahead of the Phillies. They also hold the tiebreaker (a 6-1 record in the season series).

 

The North Siders sit 4.5 games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

 

And in the Central, the Men in Blue are 9.5 games back of Milwaukee, whose magic number to win the division is down to two.

151 games down, 11 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

  

Image Credits (from tonight's game!):  Fally, a CMN Regular

Happy birthday, Fally! 

 

8

Sunday in the NL Wild Card race:  Cubs lose to the Bucs 4-3, Phillies beat Atlanta, Arizona loses to Texas, and San Diego plays at San Francisco tonight. Arizona's loss dropped the CMN for a Wild Card berth!

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  23
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  12
Wild Card:  8

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

3 vs. 88-61 Atlanta
3 at 69-79 Cincinnati
3 vs. 73-76 Miami
3 at 81-68 Boston

The Cubs currently sit atop the NL Wild Card race and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, as they have the same record as the Phillies but hold the tiebreaker (a 6-1 record in the season series).

 

The North Siders sit four games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

 

And in the Central, the Men in Blue are ten games back of Milwaukee, whose magic number to win the division is down to two.

148 games down, 12 to go.

Go Cubs go!

Hall of Famer and Cubs Legend Andre Dawson

9

Hey hey! The Cubs came back to beat the Bucs 4-3 on Saturday behind a 2-for-3 day from Pedro Ramirez (HR, 2B, 2 R) and 3.1 scoreless relief innings from the 'pen!

 

Clay Holmes went 5 2/3 innings (6 K, 2 ER), giving up a three-run homer that gave Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead. But Ramirez led off the 8th with a double, and two hit batsmen and two walks later, the North Siders regained the lead. Michael Busch also homered for the Men in Blue.

In relief, Jacob Webb, Ryan Rolison, and Ryan Zeferjahn held the Bucs to just one hit.

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  24
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  12
Wild Card:  9

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

1 vs. 74-75 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 88-61 Atlanta
3 at 69-79 Cincinnati
3 vs. 73-76 Miami
3 at 81-68 Boston

The Cubs currently hold the top Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, with a one game lead over the Phillies going into Saturday night's action.

 

The North Siders sit four games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

 

And in the Central, the Men in Blue are ten games back of Milwaukee, whose magic number to win the division is down to three.

149 games down, 13 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

2016 World Series Champion Javier Baez

10

Hey hey! The Cubs came back to beat the Bucs 4-3 on Saturday behind a 2-for-3 day from Pedro Ramirez (HR, 2B, 2 R) and 3.1 scoreless relief innings from the 'pen!

 

Clay Holmes went 5 2/3 innings (6 K, 2 ER), giving up a three-run homer that gave Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead. But Ramirez led off the 8th with a double, and two hit batsmen and two walks later, the North Siders regained the lead. Michael Busch also homered for the Men in Blue.

In relief, Jacob Webb, Ryan Rolison, and Ryan Zeferjahn held the Bucs to just one hit.

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  24
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  13
Wild Card:  10

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

1 vs. 74-75 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 86-61 Atlanta
3 at 69-77 Cincinnati
3 vs. 72-75 Miami
3 at 80-67 Boston

The Cubs currently hold the top Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, with a 1/2 game lead over the Phillies going into Saturday night's action.

 

The North Siders sit 3.5 games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

 

And in the Central, the Men in Blue are 9.5 games back of Milwaukee, who have the best record in MLB.

149 games down, 13 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

Hall of Famer and Cubs Legend Ron Santo

11

(Since the odds for the Cubs winning the NL Central remain ridiculously low – the Brewers' magic number to win the division is 4 while the Cubs' is 25 – the CMN atop this post refers to the Cubs making the playoffs via a Wild Card berth.)

Friday in the NL pennant race:  Cubs beat the Pirates 12-2, Arizona and San Diego both won, and the Phillies lost, lowering the CMN for the top wild card berth to 14.

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  25
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  14
Wild Card:  11

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

2 vs. 74-74 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 86-61 Atlanta
3 at 69-77 Cincinnati
3 vs. 72-75 Miami
3 at 80-67 Boston

The Cubs currently hold the top Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, as they have the same record as Philadelphia but hold the tiebreaker:  a 6-1 mark in the regular season series against the Phillies.

 

The North Siders sit three games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth, and they hold the tiebreaker there as well with a 4-2 record against the Diamondbacks.

 

And in the Central, the Men in Blue are 10 games back of Milwaukee, who have the best record in MLB.

148 games down, 14 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

2016 World Series Champion Coach John Mallee

25

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Bucs 12-2 on Friday behind three hits apiece from Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman, three RBI from Michael Busch, and a quality start from Shota Imanaga (6 IP, 2 ER, 4 K)!

 

The Cubs were down 1-0 after one inning but put up three, two, and four runs in the next three innings to take a 9-1 lead. Assad, Palencia, and Thornton combined for three innings of scoreless relief to finish the game for the North Siders.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  25
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  15
Wild Card:  11

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

2 vs. 74-74 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 86-61 Atlanta
3 at 69-77 Cincinnati
3 vs. 72-75 Miami
3 at 80-67 Boston

The Cubs currently sit 9.5 games back of Milwaukee in the Central, 1/2 game behind Philadelphia in the race for the top Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and 3.5 games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth. They currently hold in the second Wild Card berth.

148 games down, 14 to go.

Go Cubs go!

2016 World Series Champion Coach John Mallee

26

Thursday in the NL race:  the Cubs, Brewers, Diamondbacks, and Marlins were idle while the Phillies lost to Houston, dropping the CMN for the top NL Wild Card berth!

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  26
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  16
Wild Card:  12

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

3 vs. 73-73 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 86-61 Atlanta
3 at 69-77 Cincinnati
3 vs. 72-75 Miami
3 at 80-67 Boston

The Cubs currently sit ten games back of Milwaukee in the Central, one game behind Philadelphia in the race for the top Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and three games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth.

147 games down, 15 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

26

Wednesday in the NL pennant race:  Cubs lose to Milwaukee, Phillies beat Houston, Padres beat the Nats, and Arizona lost to the Royals, lowering the CMN for a Wild Card berth to 12!

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  26
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  17
Wild Card:  12

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining schedule shapes up: 

3 vs. 71-73 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 85-61 Atlanta
3 at 69-76 Cincinnati

3 vs. 72-75 Miami

3 at 80-67 Boston

The Cubs currently sit ten games back of Milwaukee in the Central, 1.5 games behind Philadelphia in the race for the top Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and three games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth.

147 games down, 15 to go.

Go Cubs go! 

2016 World Series Champions Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber

 

26

Sunday in the NL pennant race:  Cubs lose to Miami, Brewers lose to the Reds, Arizona and San Diego both win.

 

Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 40th home run of the season, becoming the first Cub to hit 40 since Derrek Lee in 2005 and the first left-handed Cub to hit 40 since Billy Williams in 1970. He is seven steals away from becoming MLB's seventh member of the 40/40 club, along with Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Shohei Ohtani.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  26
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  18
Wild Card:  13

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

 

Here's how the Cubs' remaining nine home games and nine road games shape up: 

 

3 at 88-56 Milwaukee

3 vs. 71-73 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 85-58 Atlanta
3 at 69-74 Cincinnati

3 vs. 72-72 Miami

3 at 79-65 Boston

The Cubs currently sit seven games back of Milwaukee in the Central, 1/2 game ahead of Philadelphia in the race for the top Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and five games ahead of Arizona for the final Wild Card berth.
 
144 games down, 18 to go.
 
Go Cubs go! 

  

MLB Hall of Famer Billy Williams

 

27

Holy mackerel! The Cubs beat Miami 6-5 on Saturday behind Ryan Zeferjahn's first save as a Cub, two RBI from Ian Happ, and a Michael Conforto home run, the team's 200th of the season! It was the third straight win for Chicago.

Ryan Rolison and Zeferjahn combined for 2.1 innings of scoreless relief to secure the win for the North Siders, who wrap up the series tomorrow before heading to Milwaukee on Monday to kick off a three-game set.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

Division:  27
1st Wild Card & Home Field:  19
Wild Card:  13

See this post for CMN calculation details. 

 

Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:
 

4 vs. 71-72 Miami (1 road, 3 home)
3 at 88-55 Milwaukee
3 vs. 70-73 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 84-58 Atlanta
3 at 68-74 Cincinnati
3 at 78-65 Boston

The Cubs currently sit seven games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central, 1/2 game ahead of Philadelphia in the race for the top NL Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and six games ahead of Arizona for the final NL Wild Card berth.
 
143 games down, 19 to go.
 
Go Cubs go! 

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

29

Hey hey! The Cubs beat Miami 6-1 on Friday behind a quality start from Shota Imanaga (6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K), three scoreless relief innings from Aaron Civale, a Michael Busch home run, three hits from Nico Hoerner, and a spectacular catch at the wall by Pete Crow-Armstrong!

 

PCA also scored twice and swiped another bag, inching him closer to a rare 40/40 season. He currently has 39 home runs and 33 stolen bases.

 

Imanaga induced 17 whiffs as Carson Kelly changed up his technique, holding his mitt about a foot above the strike zone, and as Shota relied heavily on his splitter.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers: 

Division:  29
Top Wild Card & Home Field:  20
Wild Card:  14

See this post for CMN calculation details.
 
Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:
 

5 vs. 70-70 Miami (2 road, 3 home)
3 at 88-54 Milwaukee
3 vs. 70-72 Pittsburgh
3 vs. 84-57 Atlanta
3 at 67-74 Cincinnati
3 at 77-65 Boston

The Cubs currently sit eight games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central, 1/2 game ahead of Philadelphia in the race for the top NL Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and six games ahead of Arizona for the final NL Wild Card berth.
 
142 games down, 20 to go.
 
Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

30

Holy mackerel! The Cubs held on to beat Milwaukee 2-1 on Thursday night behind a dominant start from Kevin Gausman (7 IP, 1 ER, 9 K) and a two-run homer from August NL Player of the Month Pete Crow-Armstrong!

 

Armstrong's blast was his 39th of the season and came in the 3rd inning. Ryan Zeferjahn tossed a 1-2-3 8th and Ryan Rolison went 1-2-3 in the 9th to earn the save.

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

    Division:  30
    Top Wild Card & Home Field:  22
    Wild Card:  16  

See this post for CMN calculation details.
 
Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:
 

6 vs. 70-69 Miami (3 road, 3 home)
3 at 87-54 Milwaukee
3 vs. 69-72 Pittsburgh (home)
3 vs. 83-57 Atlanta (home)
3 at 67-73 Cincinnati
3 at 75-65 Boston

The Cubs currently sit eight games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central, 1/2 game behind Philadelphia in the race for the top NL Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and 5.5 games ahead of San Diego for the final NL Wild Card berth.
 
139 games down, 21 to go.
 
Go Cubs go! 

 

2016 World Series Champion Coach Brandon Hyde

 

32

Wednesday in the NL:  Cubs dropped another frustrating one to Milwaukee while Arizona beat Philadelphia. Philly's loss dropped the CMN for the top Wild Card berth!
 
Cubs Magic Numbers:

    Division:  32
    Top Wild Card & Home Field:  23
    Wild Card:  17  

See this post for CMN calculation details.
 
Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:
 

4 vs. 87-53 Milwaukee (1 home, 3 road)
6 vs. 70-69 Miami (3 + 3)
3 vs. 68-71 Pittsburgh (home)
3 vs. 82-57 Atlanta (home)
3 at 66-73 Cincinnati
3 at 75-64 Boston

The Cubs currently sit nine games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central, a game behind Philadelphia in the race for the top NL Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games, and five games ahead of San Diego for the final NL Wild Card berth.
 
140 games down, 22 to go.
 
Go Cubs go!

 

2016 World Series Champion and NL MVP Kris Bryant

 

32

Tuesday in the NL:  Cubs dropped a frustrating one to Milwaukee while the Phillies beat Arizona. The Diamondbacks' loss dropped the CMN for a Wild Card berth!

 

Cubs Magic Numbers:

• Division:  32
• Top Wild Card & Home Field:  23
• Wild Card:  17  

See this post for CMN calculation details.

 

Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:

 

5 vs. 86-53 Milwaukee (2 home, 3 road)
6 vs. 70-69 Miami (3 + 3)
3 vs. 68-71 Pittsburgh (home)
3 vs. 82-57 Atlanta (home)

3 at 66-73 Cincinnati
3 at 75-64 Boston

The Cubs currently sit eight games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central and 1/2 game behind Philadelphia in the race for the top NL Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games.

 

139 games down, 23 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

 

2016 World Series Champion Kris Bryant

32

Holy cow! The Cubs battered the Brewers 17-3 on Monday behind a quality start from Clay Holmes (6 IP, 0 ER, 8 K) and a team record NINE home runs – three from Alex Bregman and one apiece from Tyrone Taylor, Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, Matt Shaw, and Michael Conforto!

 

Bregman drove in four while Taylor and Conforto drove in three apiece.  The series continues tomorrow at the Friendly Confines.
 
Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:

 

6 vs. 85-53 Milwaukee (3 home, 3 road)
6 vs. 69-69 Miami (3 + 3)
3 vs. 67-71 Pittsburgh (home)
3 vs. 82-56 Atlanta (home)

3 at 65-73 Cincinnati
3 at 75-63 Boston

The Cubs currently sit seven games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central and 1/2 game ahead of Philadelphia in the race for the top NL Wild Card berth and its benefit of home field for all NLWCS games.

 

Cubs wins and Brewers losses lower the CMN for the NL Central title. The formula is 163 minus Cubs wins minus Brewers losses. The tiebreaker is head-to-head record, and with six head-to-head games remaining, that's yet to be determined.

 

The Cubs Magic Number for a Wild Card berth is 18. 

 

Cubs wins and Arizona losses lower the CMN for an NL Wild Card berth. (It's Arizona since they're the best NL team not currently sitting in a Wild Card berth position.) The formula is 163 minus Cubs wins minus Diamondbacks losses minus one, since the Cubs hold the tiebreaker, a 4-2 head-to-head record with no head-to-head games remaining.

 

The Cubs Magic Number for the top WC seed – and home field for all NLWCS games – is 24.

 

Cubs wins and Phillies losses lower the CMN for the top NL Wild Card berth.  (It's Philadelphia since they're the next-best NL team in the Wild Card race.) The formula is 163 minus Cubs wins minus Phillies losses minus one, since the Cubs hold the tiebreaker, a 6-1 head-to-head record with no head-to-head games remaining.

 

138 games down, 24 to go.
 
Go Cubs go! 

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

34

Cubs are leading the Brewers 16-3 late at Wrigley ... stay tuned!

Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  RFBleachers

 

37

Holy mackerel! The Cubs beat Arizona 7-0 on Monday behind a dominant start from Kevin Gausman (7 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 6 K) and a 3-for-3, two RBI night from Michael Conforto!

 

Conforto and Carson Kelly had back-to-back jacks in the 6th inning for the North Siders, who are now 14-8 in August, 5.5 games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central, and 4.5 games ahead of Philadelphia in the race for the top NL Wild Card berth and its home-field-for-all-NLWCS-games perk.

 

The series continues tomorrow in Phoenix.

 

Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:

    2 more games at 69-63 Arizona
    6 vs. 62-70 Cincinnati (3 home, 3 road)
    7 vs. 81-50 Milwaukee (4 + 3)
    6 vs. 67-65 Miami (3 + 3)
    3 vs. 63-69 Pittsburgh (home)
    3 vs. 76-55 Atlanta (home)
    3 at 72-59 Boston

132 games down, 30 to go.
 
Go Cubs go! 

 

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

38

Holy cow! The Cubs sunk the Mariners 19-2 on Sunday in Seattle behind grand slams from Ian Happ and Pedro Ramirez, four scoreless relief innings from Aaron Civale, and a 2-for-4, three RBI day from Pete Crow-Armstrong.

 

Happ and Ramirez each had five RBI on the day, and Conforto and PCA also homered. Pedro went 3-for-6.

 

The win was a nice departure from the previous two games, both of which were winnable games that turned into walkoff wins for the M's.

 

The road trip continues Monday in Phoenix, as the North Siders kick off a three-game set against the Diamondbacks.

 

The Cubs currently enjoy a four-game lead over the Phillies for the top NL Wild Card berth, which includes home field for all NLWCS games, and sit six games back of Milwaukee in the NL Central. 

 

Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:

• 3 games at 69-62 Arizona
• 6 vs. 62-69 Cincinnati (3 home, 3 road)
• 7 vs. 81-50 Milwaukee (4 + 3)
• 6 vs. 67-64 Miami (3 + 3)
• 3 vs. 63-69 Pittsburgh (home)
• 3 vs. 76-55 Atlanta (home)
• 3 at 71-59 Boston

131 games down, 31 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

40

Wednesday in the NL Central – Cubs lost to the White Sox, Brewers lost to the Mariners, CMN drops!

 

The North Siders have Thursday off before they kick off a six-game road trip on Friday in Seattle. After their weekend set versus the M's, they head south to Phoenix for three games.

The Men in Blue have the fifth-best record in MLB and lead the NL Wild Card race by six games over the Phillies, who hold a two-game lead over San Diego. Arizona sits one game back from that third and final Wild Card berth.

Here's how the remainder of the season shapes up:

• 3 games at 60-67 Seattle
• 3 at 67-61 Arizona
• 6 vs. 61-66 Cincinnati (3 home, 3 road)
• 7 vs. 78-49 Milwaukee (4 + 3)
• 6 vs. 64-64 Miami (3 + 3)
• 3 vs. 63-66 Pittsburgh (home)
• 3 vs. 74-53 Atlanta (home)
• 3 at 68-59 Boston

If the season ended today, three of those eight opponents would make the playoffs, and of the other eight, only Cincinnati sits more than four games back from a playoff berth.

 

The seven upcoming games against Milwaukee offer the Cubs a great opportunity to gain ground in the NL Central race, where they currently sit in second place, 4.5 games back of the Brewers.

The North Siders have been hot at the Friendly Confines in August, winning 8 of 12 home games (.667). They'll play just 16 of their remaining 34 games at Wrigley, but they have enjoyed success both at home (.585) and on the road (.571) in 2026.  

128 games down, 34 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

 

2016 World Series Champion Willson Contreras

41

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the White Sox 4-3 on Tuesday behind 4.2 innings of scoreless relief from the bullpen and a 2-for-5, two RBI night for Alex Bregman that included a walk-off RBI single!

 

The Cubs grabbed a 2-0 lead in the 1st on solo shots from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch, but the South Siders chipped away and held a 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the 7th, when Breggy hit an RBI single to drive in Alcantara and tie the game.

 

Bregman's game-winning single came with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, and the win gave the Cubs their MLB-best 13th walk-off victory of the 2026 season!

 

The series wraps up at the federal landmark on Wednesday. The Men in Blue have an off day Thursday before starting a six-game road trip with three games apiece against the Mariners, who lost 22-0 to Milwaukee tonight, and Arizona, who are two games back of the Padres for the final NL Wild Card slot.

 

127 games down, 35 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

42

Holy cow! The Cubs walked off the White Sox 7-5 in 10 innings Monday behind a quality start from Shota Imanaga (6 IP, 3 ER, 10 K) and a walk-off two-run homer from Pete Crow-Armstrong to lead off the 10th!

PCA and Seiya Suzuki hit back-to-back homers to lead off the bottom of the 1st, and both PCA & Nico Hoerner went 4-for-5.  Nico drove in two and Pete tallied a walk, a double, and 3 RBI in addition to his TWO homers!

 

The North Siders currently have a six-game lead in the NL Wild Card race and sit 4.5 games back of the Brewers in the Central.

 

The series continues Tuesday at the Friendly Confines.

 

126 games down, 36 to go. 

 

Go Cubs go!

  

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs 

43

Holy mackerel! The Cubs shut out the Cardinals 3-0 on Friday behind a quality start from Holmes (6.2 IP, 1 H) and a 3-R HR from Suzuki!

 

They now have a 7 game lead in the NL Wild Card race and sit 3 games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central.

 

The series continues Saturday at the federal landmark.

 

123 games down, 39 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

2016 World Series Champion Anthony Rizzo

45

Thursday in the NL Central:  Cubs lose to the Nats but take two out of three in the series.

 

The North Siders return to the Friendly Confines Friday to kick off a three-game weekend set against the Cardinals followed by a three-game set against the first place White Sox.

 

The Men in Blue currently enjoy a 6.5 game lead in the NL Wild Card race and sit 3.5 games back of the Brewers in the Central.

 

122 games down, 40 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

2016 World Series Champion Willson Contreras

 

50

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Royals 10-2 on Sunday behind a dominant start from Matt Boyd (7 IP, 2 ER), three hits apiece from Michael Busch, Alex Bregman, and Ian Happ, and a three-run homer from Miguel Amaya!

 

Boyd's outing lowered his season ERA to 3.50 and the bullpen tacked on two innings of scoreless relief as new Cub Ryan Zeferjahn struck out two of the four batters he faced. 

 

The North Siders went 7-for-15 with runners in scoring position, and six of their ten runs were scored with two outs.

 

After an off day Monday, the road trip will wrap up with a three-game set against the Nationals before the Men in Blue head home to kick off a six-game homestand against the Cardinals and White Sox.

 

The Cubs currently sit 5.5 games back of first place Milwaukee in the NL Central and lead the NL Wild Card race by six games over Arizona and Philadelphia.

 

119 games down, 43 to go.

 

Go Cubs go! 

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

51

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the Royals 6-4 on Friday behind a dominant start from new Cub Kevin Gausman (7 IP, 2 ER), Jacob Webb's seventh save, two RBI from Seiya Suzuki, and a home run from Pedro Ramirez!

Pete Crow-Armstrong reached in 3 of 5 PAs, raising his OPS to .937. Ramirez went 2-for-4 and is batting .300 to kick off his MLB career.

 

The win was the North Siders' fifth in a row and, coupled with Milwaukee's loss to the Twins, gave the Cubs a 6.5 game lead in the NL Wild Card race and moved them within 4.5 games of NL Central leader Milwaukee for the first time since May.

 

The series continues Saturday in Kansas City.

 

117 games down, 45 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

56

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Dodgers 10-5 on Monday behind three RBI apiece from Carson Kelly and Michael Busch. The Men in Blue clubbed four homers – Seiya Suzuki, Kelly, Busch, and Kevin Alcantara - the Jaguar's first MLB dinger!

 

Matt Boyd had a rough start to the ballgame, giving up three consecutive hits – including a three-run homer to Tommy Edman. From there, he settled in and went 6 2/3 innings while the offense picked him up, taking the lead in the 3rd and never looking back.

 

Pete Crow-Armstrong reached base in two of his five plate appearances, raising his on-base percentage to .383, good for 10th best in MLB.

 

The series continues Tuesday at the Friendly Confines.

 

113 games down, 49 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

58

Sunday in the NL Central – Cubs lose to the Yankees, Brewers lose to the Angels, CMN drops.

 

The Dodgers come to Wrigley to kick off a three-game set on Monday.

 

112 games down, 50 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

 

Former Cubs coach Mike Borzello #58

59

Holy mackerel! The Cubs beat the Yanks 5-2 on Saturday behind a quality start from David Peterson (6.1 IP, 1 ER, 8 K), a home run from Nico Hoerner, and 2.2 scoreless relief innings from the 'pen!

Peterson has now held opponents to two or fewer runs in five of his six starts as a Cub, and both Trent Thornton (0.2 IP, 0 ER) and Jacob Webb (1.0 IP, 0 ER) pushed their ERAs even farther below 3.00 (2.97 and 2.59, respectively).

On the offensive side, Pete Crow-Armstrong, in the midst of his best season as a Cub, started August with a triple to give him a 1-for-3 night. He finished July with a 1.015 OPS after posting a torrid June (1.215 OPS).

Nico Hoerner went 2-for-4, starting August on the right foot after batting .301 in July.

The series wraps up Sunday at Wrigley before the Dodgers hit the Friendly Confines for a three-game set that starts Monday.

111 games down, 51 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

60

Hey hey! The Cubs came back to beat the Cards 4-2 in 10 innings on Thursday behind a nice start from Javier Assad (4.1 IP, 1 ER), 5.2 innings of one-run ball from the bullpen, and 10th inning RBIs from Ian Happ and Alex Bregman!

 

Assad is sporting a 1.50 ERA over his last five outings (18 IP) and lowered his season ERA to 3.86. Relievers Ryan Rolison, Gavin Hollowell, and Jacob Webb continue to shine, as they combined for four scoreless innings and each have an ERA below 2.65.

 

Nico Hoerner went 3-for-5 and is now batting .311 in July. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Bregman each tallied two hits on the night.

 

The victory gave the North Siders another series win as they head into a seven-game homestand that features three games against the Yankees, three against the Dodgers, and a makeup game against the Jays.

 

109 games down, 53 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

62

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Cards 10-2 on Tuesday behind a quality start from Colin Rea (6 IP, 1 ER) and three hits apiece from Seiya Suzuki, Alex Bregman, and Pedro Ramirez!

 

The Men in Blue knocked out 17 hits and led 7-0 after just two innings. Bregman's July has been his best offensive month as a Cub, and Pedro Ramirez is establishing himself as a solid piece of the Cubs' offensive onslaught with a .322 batting average and an .833 OPS. The North Siders have scored more runs this season than all but two other MLB teams.

 

After surprisingly designating Jameson Taillon for assignment, the Cubs really must acquire a starting pitcher before the trade deadline. It will be interesting to see if Ramirez, Dean, Alcantara, and/or Shaw wind up watching the Cubs from afar to close out the season.

 

The series continues Wednesday at Busch Stadium.

 

107 games down, 55 to go.

 

Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs