The Chicago Cubs are on fire! With five consecutive wins and seven victories in their last eight games, the team is on one of their hottest streaks of the season. During this impressive run, the Cubs have only given up three runs in five games, outscoring their opponents by a staggering 31-3 margin. This includes a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, who currently hold the best record in the American League, as well as wins against the Los Angeles Angels and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cubs’ recent success has brought their run differential to an even level, and they are slowly but surely gaining ground in both the National League Central and Wild Card races. As they head into a doubleheader against the Cardinals on Saturday, the Cubs are now just eight games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division and three games behind the Cardinals and New York Mets in the hunt for the third wild card spot in the National League.
But just how close are the Cubs to making a comeback and securing a spot in the playoffs? According to FanGraphs, their odds of reaching the postseason were at a measly 4.9% on July 3rd. At that time, the Cubs had just suffered a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, bringing their record to 39-48 for the season. They were facing a mere 1% chance of winning the division and were a daunting 13 games behind the Brewers.
However, after their impressive win against the Cardinals on Friday, the Cubs’ playoff chances have significantly increased to 14.5%. While their main avenue into the playoffs is through the wild card, with a 9.3% chance of clinching one of the three spots, they also have a 5.2% chance of winning the Central Division.
The Cubs are determined to continue their winning streak and gain even more ground in the wild card hunt as they face the Cardinals in a doubleheader on Saturday. The first game will see Hayden Wesneski take the mound at 1:15 p.m., followed by Javier Assad, who is fresh off the injured list, in the nightcap at 7:15 p.m. The team will then wrap up the first half of their season on Sunday with Jameson Taillon on the mound against the Cardinals.
The Cubs’ recent success can be attributed to their strong team effort and impressive performances from key players. Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo have been leading the charge on offense, while Kyle Hendricks and Zach Davies have been dominant on the mound. The team’s defense has also been exceptional, with players like Joc Pederson and Jason Heyward making crucial plays in the outfield.
The Cubs’ determination and resilience have been on full display during this winning streak. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks this season, they have never lost sight of their goal to make it to the playoffs. And with their recent surge, it’s clear that they are more than capable of achieving that goal.
As the Cubs continue to fight for a spot in the postseason, their fans are rallying behind them with unwavering support and enthusiasm. The energy and excitement at Wrigley Field have been palpable, and it’s clear that the team’s success is bringing the city of Chicago together.
So, Cubs fans, get ready to fly the W and keep the faith. This team is on a mission, and they are determined to make a comeback and secure their spot in the playoffs. With their recent performance, it’s safe to say that the Cubs are back and ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. Let’s go, Cubs!
