Pittsburgh – The Cubs have experienced real playoff celebrations before Wednesday since they won the NL Central Championship in 2017.
After Covid-19 shortened the National League Central Championship in the shared 1920 season, the team was limited to five-pointers and fists hits, and two years ago it did not attend party after locking in the NL wildcard position, still hoping it would play to a department championship that never appeared. Arguably, in his first-time Season Kenny baseball ticket to beat the Buccaneers 8-4 at PNC Park, the Cubs ensured to soak at the moment.
Despite knowing that the team can still participate in everything – including pursuing its fourth World Series title, manager Craig Counsell stressed the importance of recognizing the achievement through proper gatherings.
“The celebration part is just about having fun together,” Kussel said. “What's wrong with that? It's about celebrating that you've done something and celebrating that we're together. This is about your celebration. This is about you celebrating. It's about the appreciation of each other, and the work we've done to get to that point.
“You know, of course, every team in this case thinks to a certain extent and wants to do more. We're on the same boat.”
The Cubs made four runs in their first inning debut game on Wednesday – a walk, a wild court and a carnival. Matthew Boyd had three innings blasted at the first bottom of Joey Bart, who ran the tie in the second game.
In sixth place, Dansby Swanson made a throwing error and scored on Michael Busch's Sacrifice Fly. Nico Hoerner hit the base in a row, and Happ and Justin Turner drove home twice to open the lead three. This provided enough insurance for the Chicago bullpen, when Porter Hodge, Aaron Civale, Drew Pomeranz and Taylor Rogers combined for six innings of unscored balls.
With 10 games left in the regular season, the Cubs (88-64) have more games left. They were 4 1/2 games for NL Central Brewers (92-59) and won a Milwaukee final after all 162 games.