According to Field Level Media, the Chicago Cubs had their second chance to clinch a National League wild-card spot following an 8-2 loss in 12 innings to the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Manager Craig Counsell’s squad struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-18 on the night, a trend that left the club at 87-70 overall and needing a quick recovery ahead of the second game of the three-game set.
Cubs Playoff Scenarios and Wild Card Race
According to Field Level Media, the Chicago Cubs can secure their second postseason berth by defeating the Miami Marlins or by getting help from the Colorado Rockies, who faced the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona previously staved off elimination by defeating Colorado 7-2 in Denver, leaving the Cubs in a win-and-in position during the final stretch of the regular season. According to Field Level Media, the Cubs share an 87-71 record with the Philadelphia Phillies, while the San Diego Padres sit a half-game ahead in the wild-card standings pending late-game results against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Pursues Historic 40-40 Season
According to Field Level Media, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong stands on the verge of baseball history as the prohibitive favorite for the National League Most Valuable Player award. He stole his 39th base during Tuesday’s extra-innings loss, pairing it with 45 home runs that currently lead the major leagues.
Pitching Matchups: Gausman and Gusto Take the Ball
According to Field Level Media, veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman (9-12, 4.55 ERA) is scheduled to start for Chicago after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Toronto Blue Jays. Gausman has posted a 4-2 record and 5.04 ERA in eight starts since joining the Cubs on August 2, though he carries a strong career history against Miami with a 4-2 record and 2.41 ERA across 10 games. The Marlins will counter with right-hander Ryan Gusto (1-5, 4.14 ERA), who previously took the loss in a 6-5 Cubs victory on September 5 after allowing five runs over 4 2/3 innings.
Gausman recently delivered an effective outing by generating 19 swinging strikes with his splitter and striking out seven batters over 5 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, Miami manager Clayton McCullough hopes his youthful roster can finish the season strong, aided by utility player Javier Sanoja, who enters the matchup on a career-high 20-game on-base streak and a .350 batting average over his last 25 games.
Did You Know?
According to Field Level Media, the Cubs lead the majors with 837 runs scored and rank sixth with a .251 team batting average. However, their situational hitting has lagged behind, ranking 18th in the majors with a .246 average with runners in scoring position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Chicago Cubs need to clinch a playoff spot?
According to Field Level Media, the Cubs can clinch a National League wild-card spot by winning their remaining games against the Miami Marlins or by receiving a favorable outcome from the Colorado Rockies’ matchups against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
What are Pete Crow-Armstrong’s season stats?
According to Field Level Media, Pete Crow-Armstrong has hit 45 home runs, tying for the major league lead, and has stolen 39 bases as he pursues membership in the 40-40 club.
Who is pitching for the Cubs against the Marlins?
According to Field Level Media, right-hander Kevin Gausman is scheduled to start for the Chicago Cubs against Miami right-hander Ryan Gusto.
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