The Chicago Cubs are going back to the postseason. Wednesday afternoon's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates ( CHC 8, PIT 4) clinched Chicago's first postseason berth since 2020, and their first in a full 162-game season since 2018.

I love pitching in high-stakes moments,” Horton said. “It’s a lot of fun to go out there and compete when you’re in the thick of it.”

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs will attempt to prolong a three-game win streak with a victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh is 42-35 in home games and 65-87 overall. The Pirates are 43-26 in games when they record eight or more hits.

PITCHING PROBABLES: Cubs: Colin Rea (10-6, 4.23 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 109 strikeouts); Reds: Hunter Greene (6-4, 3.01 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 116 strikeouts)

After four seasons ending in either abject failure or mediocrity, the Chicago Cubs are back in the playoffs. The Cubs recorded their 88th win Sept. 17, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-4 at PNC Park to become the second club from the National League Central to qualify for the playoffs.

The Chicago Cubs can clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday with a win. It would be their first postseason appearance since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and their first in a full season since

The Chicago Cubs had every reason to celebrate on Wednesday after clinching their first playoff berth since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. They even had manager Craig Counsell's approval to do so,