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CHICAGO – For the first time in franchise history, the Chicago Cubs will play in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. They won at least one place in the National League championship game, after a 7-6 win in 10 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
They are happy to be back in the playoffs, but they are aiming for a third consecutive division title. The Cubs lead the Milwaukee Brewers by a half-game four days before the end of the season.
"We do not take that for granted," said Albert Almora Jr. after the victory. "We are super pumped, we are in the playoffs, but our work is not over.We want to take this division and go ahead with the best record at the BN."
Almora hit the winning end, helping the Cubs recover another ugly victory. They led 6-1 at one point, but their paddock could not keep the lead, while a Steve Bartman moment was held during a critical sequence at the top of the ninth.
With the Cubs in the lead 6-4, catcher Francisco Cervelli hit a faulty ball between the nets on the side of the first base. As a first baseman, Anthony Rizzo went to get him, just like a fan. Rizzo really thought he had caught the ball. Meanwhile, Cervelli doubled a few moments later, leading the Pirates to equalize.
"It was just one of those weird games," said Rizzo, minimizing fan interference.
As for the dropout, it was a rare merger for the Cubs, as most of September was actually used to try to score more points. The Cubs' offense was frozen for most of the second half. But on Wednesday, the Cubs' bats burst, leading to a playoff spot.
"For the group [of fans] who really wants to lament [be critical]"It's a bad method, man," said manager Joe Maddon. We won. We won a tough match against a tough opponent right now. Our division is the strongest in baseball, and we qualified for the playoffs. And yes, we want to win the division. "
Before Wednesday, the Cubs had scored a total of five points in their last 56 innings against the Pirates – which caused fans' anguish – so offensive production was desperately needed. Subsequently, there was no celebration of champagne, because it will come if the Cubs drop NL Central. For the moment, they will just like to play last Sunday.
"We have a ticket there," said Anthony Rizzo. "It's not easy to do, guys are proud of it."
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