PITTSBURGH – The Chicago Cubs have done it! In a heart-pounding 8-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the Cubs clinched their first postseason berth since 2020, sending shockwaves through the MLB landscape. The Wrigleyville faithful erupted as their beloved team punched their ticket to October baseball, marking a triumphant return to the playoffs after a five-year drought. This electrifying moment, sealed with Ian Happ’s game-changing three-run homer, has reignited hope and fervor among fans who’ve waited anxiously for this day.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start. With the score knotted and tension thick at PNC Park, Happ unleashed a monstrous two-run shot in the first inning, setting the tone for a relentless Cubs offense. The Pirates fought back, but Chicago’s bullpen—bolstered by stellar outings from Porter Hodge, Aaron Civale, Drew Pomeranz, and Taylor Rogers—shut down any hopes of a comeback. The final out, snagged by Happ himself, triggered a champagne-soaked celebration in the clubhouse, a sight not seen in a full season since 2017. For a team that weathered inconsistent stretches and doubters, this clinch is nothing short of a resurrection.
Manager Craig Counsell, in his second year at the helm, orchestrated a masterful game plan that capitalized on the Cubs’ depth. The victory not only secures a wild-card spot but keeps alive their slim chance at overtaking the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central crown, trailing by 4.5 games with 10 games left. “This group never gave up,” Counsell said, his voice hoarse from the post-game roar. “We’ve got more to fight for, and this is just the beginning.”
The Cubs’ journey to this point has been a saga of resilience. After finishing above .500 in 2023 and 2024, expectations soared for 2025, yet injuries and mid-season slumps tested their mettle. Key contributors like Seiya Suzuki, back from an illness, and a revamped bullpen featuring Caleb Thielbar and Brad Keller, turned the tide. The 88-64 record reflects a season of grit, with the team never losing more than three consecutive games—a testament to their unwavering spirit.
For the city of Chicago, this clinch is a cultural milestone. Wrigleyville buzzed with muted celebrations Wednesday night, as fans await a potential playoff run at home. The “Fly the W” presale for postseason tickets, launched earlier this month, saw an unprecedented rush, signaling a community united in anticipation. Images of players like Pete Crow-Armstrong spraying champagne and Dansby Swanson’s emotional post-game interview have gone viral, encapsulating a moment of pure joy.
Yet, challenges loom. The Cubs hold a 9.5-game lead for the top wild-card spot, potentially hosting the first-round series, but resting key players or integrating prospects like Owen Caissie could be a strategic gamble. Rivals like the Padres and Mets lurk, and the Brewers’ dominance in the division adds pressure. Can Chicago sustain this momentum? The answer lies in their remaining schedule—four games in Cincinnati, followed by home stands against the Mets and Cardinals.
This postseason berth isn’t just a statistic; it’s a narrative of redemption. For a franchise that last tasted a full-season playoff celebration in 2017, the Cubs have rekindled a spark. As the team prepares for their next challenge, one thing is clear: Chicago is back in the postseason conversation, and the baseball world is watching. Stay tuned—October at Wrigley could be legendary.
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