Chicago Cubs Clinch First Postseason Berth Since 2020 with 8-4 Victory Over Pirates

Cubs Clinch Postseason Berth with 8-4 Victory Over Pirates

The Chicago Cubs secured their first postseason appearance since 2020 with an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Ian Happ homered and drove in three runs to lead the Cubs to victory.

Game Highlights

Chicago extended its winning streak to four games and has won seven of its last eight. They currently lead the NL wild-card standings with an 88-64 record. Nico Hoerner contributed with two hits and three runs scored, while Justin Turner added a pair of RBI singles after entering the game in the sixth inning.

The Cubs took control of the game in the sixth inning, scoring three runs with the help of errors from Pirates reliever Yohan Ramírez and catcher Joey Bart. Michael Busch drove in Dansby Swanson with a sacrifice fly, followed by run-scoring singles from Happ and Turner. Aaron Civale earned the win after pitching three scoreless innings.

The Cubs started strong, scoring four runs in the first inning. Busch walked and scored on a balk before Happ hit a two-run homer, his 23rd of the season. Moisés Ballesteros followed with his second career home run.

Bart responded for the Pirates with a three-run home run in the bottom of the first, and Andrew McCutchen's bases-loaded walk in the second inning tied the game at 4. Matthew Boyd struggled, allowing seven hits and two walks in three innings.

Key Moments and Stats

A pivotal moment occurred in the sixth inning when Swanson attempted to steal second. An errant throw by Bart allowed Swanson to advance to third and eventually score on Busch's sacrifice fly.

The Cubs dominated the season series against the Pirates, winning 10 of their 13 games.

Looking Ahead

The Cubs will travel to Cincinnati for a four-game series against the Reds starting on Thursday. The Pirates will host the Athletics for a three-game series, concluding their home schedule, beginning on Friday.