MLB2 hours ago2 minute read

Cubs Clinch Postseason Berth as Crow-Armstrong Joins Elite 40-40 Club

The Chicago Cubs secured a wild card spot with a 2-1 win over Miami, while Pete Crow-Armstrong joined the exclusive 40-40 club.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Chicago Clinches Wild Card Spot

The Chicago Cubs are heading back to the postseason. Chicago secured its second straight playoff berth with a 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday. Seiya Suzuki hit his 26th home run of the year to help the Cubs improve to an 88-71 record.

The win guarantees the Cubs one of the National League's three wild card spots. This marks the first time since their run from 2015 to 2018 that they have reached the postseason in consecutive years.

It was also a historic day for the city of Chicago. The White Sox clinched their own playoff spot on Thursday with a 9-1 win over Kansas City. This is the first time both Chicago teams have clinched postseason berths on the same day.

Crow-Armstrong Joins the 40-40 Club

Pete Crow-Armstrong made history during the first inning. The 24-year-old outfielder drew a leadoff walk and quickly stole second base on the next pitch. That steal was his 40th of the season in 47 attempts.

With 45 home runs already to his name, Crow-Armstrong became the seventh player in major league history to achieve a 40-40 season. He joins an elite list that includes Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., Jose Canseco, Alfonso Soriano, Alex Rodriguez, and Barry Bonds.

Fans at Wrigley Field chanted "MVP" as the achievement was displayed on the scoreboard. The young star is currently a favorite to win the National League MVP award.

Boyd and Zeferjahn Shut Down Marlins

Matthew Boyd earned the win to improve his record to 10-5. Boyd pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run, five hits, and two walks. Ryan Zeferjahn threw a perfect ninth inning to record his seventh save of the year.

The game was tied 1-1 after Miami's Jakob Marsee hit an RBI single in the third and Suzuki answered with his solo home run in the fifth. Jack Ralston took the loss for Miami, falling to 0-2.

Chicago broke the tie in the sixth inning. Ian Happ hit a leadoff triple off Ralston and scored three pitches later when Nico Hoerner singled to center. That run proved to be the game-winner, leaving Miami with a 78-81 record and guaranteeing their third straight non-winning season.

What it means for the next game

Chicago Cubs at Boston Red Sox (MLB, Fri, 25 Sep): Boston Red Sox win 43%, Chicago Cubs win 57%; projected score Boston Red Sox 4, Chicago Cubs 5. Our safest pick: Under 11.5 runs.