Cubs look for October magic after most successful season in years

It took four relievers to come in and salvage the game after start Matthew Boyd only lasted three innings, giving up four runs off seven hits to a Pirates lineup that's collectively hit an MLB-worst .230 all season. 

Chicago Cubs looking for success in the playoffs

But how it happened doesn't matter. What matters for Chicago is the Cubs are headed to the playoffs and will allow Wrigley Field to experience October baseball for the first time since falling in the National League wild-card round to cap off the COVID-shortened 2020 season. 

Back when the Cubs were last in the playoffs, the recently retired Anthony Rizzo was still holding down first base and hitting at the top of the order. Jason Heyward, who is now on his third team since leaving Chicago following the 2022 season, was also still in right field.

It's now up to the Cubs to find some of the October magic the 2016 team enjoyed when winning the franchise's first World Series in 108 years. Since that curse-breaking title, the Cubs have won only one postseason series — the 2017 National League Division Series. 

The Cubs currently sit as the top National League wild card, 4.5 games out of first place in the National League Central. 

Oh, and in fitting fashion, the Cubs also eliminated the Pirates from playoff contention in the process of sweeping the series. The two franchises are clearly headed in very different directions.