Goal number one: complete. The Chicago Cubs will play October baseball after locking down a postseason berth in Wednesday's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. No, it's not the goal, but it's a box you have to check to reach that ultimate finish line - and the Cubs have checked it.
It wasn't a pretty win, though. After being staked to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first, Cubs starter Matthew Boyd allowed a massive three-run shot to Pirates catcher Joey Bart in the bottom of the inning - and managed just three innings, allowing four earned on seven hits before giving way to the bullpen.