Chicago Sun-Times · Sep 17, 2025
Cubs clinch first playoff berth since 2020 with win over Pirates
Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ, left, is greeted by Nico Hoerner, right, after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Pittsburgh.Matt Freed/AP Photos
PITTSBURGH – Four and a half years after the Cubs dismantled their last championship core, they finally made it to the playoffs.
The Cubs clinched a postseason berth with a 8-4 win against the Pirates on Wednesday, sweeping the three-game set to officially end a four-year playoff drought.
The road to get there had its false hope and dashed expectations, close calls and shocking twists.