The Chicago Cubs are staring down a colossal Wednesday night, locked in a three-way tie for the National League’s top wild-card spot. They need just one more win, a magic number of 1, to clinch a postseason berth for a second straight season. But after dropping the opener of this series on Tuesday, they absolutely cannot afford another home loss tonight.
This isn’t just about getting into the playoffs; it’s about earning that top wild-card position. That spot guarantees them a crucial home playoff series, just like they secured last season. Losing Tuesday’s game, at home, to a Miami team already eliminated from the playoff race last week, had to sting. Tonight, at 7:40 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, is their penultimate regular-season game at home, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. They need to get it done.
On the other side, the Miami Marlins are playing for pride after being knocked out of wild-card contention over the weekend. Their second-year manager, Clayton McCullough, is expected to return in 2027, and the team has already surpassed its spring win total of 72.5, improving from 79 wins in 2025. They’re missing some key guys, though, with outfielder Owen Casssie, a one-time top Cubs prospect, and closer Pete Fairbanks both sidelined. Keep an eye on All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez. He leads the majors with 186 hits and is third in the NL in batting average at .304, just 10 points behind the leader. McCullough hinted at moving Lopez to leadoff to give him more at-bats for that 200-hit chase, but after he hit second Tuesday and only had one hit, the article says he’s “not getting to 200.” Marlins pitcher Ryan Gusto (1-5, 4.14 ERA) takes the mound, and he’s been struggling in September, going 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in three starts.
The weather at Wrigley could make things interesting again tonight, mirroring Tuesday’s conditions. It’s expected to be cloudy with a high near 65F, and winds blowing northeast at 10 to 20 mph. Early betting action is heavy on the Chicago moneyline and on the Over 7 runs. Can the Cubs pull it off tonight and solidify their playoff position, or will the Marlins play spoiler in their final games? It’s going to be a wild one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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