Cubs clinch playoff berth as Crow-Armstrong makes history

Chicago secured an NL wild-card spot Thursday against Miami at Wrigley Field as Pete Crow-Armstrong joined the 40-40 club.

The Chicago Cubs clinched a National League wild-card spot Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field with a win over the Miami Marlins, securing a postseason berth for the second straight year.

Outlets reported differing final scores for the clinching game. Chicago Cubs on SI reported that Chicago won 3-2 in a walk-off to move to 88-69 on the season, while the Chicago Tribune reported the Cubs won 2-1. Matthew Boyd started on the mound for Chicago in the regular-season home finale. According to the Chicago Tribune, this is only the fourth time since 1906 that the Cubs have reached the postseason in consecutive seasons.

Crow-Armstrong joins 40-40 club

Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong entered Thursday with 45 home runs and 39 stolen bases. In the first inning, he walked against Marlins right-hander Tyler Phillips and stole second base to record his 40th steal of the season. He became the first player in Cubs history and the seventh in Major League Baseball history to log 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. Crow-Armstrong is hitting .280 on the year with 172 hits, 45 homers, 40 steals, and 107 RBIs.

Rotation injuries and Boston weather

Thursday’s victory followed two straight home losses to Miami that delayed Chicago from clinching earlier. On Tuesday, the teams stayed tied 2-2 through 11 innings before the Marlins scored six runs in the 12th to win 8-2. Griffin Conine hit a bloop single to left field to drive in Esteury Ruiz, Jakob Marsee hit an RBI single, and Joe Mack added a two-run single. On Wednesday, Miami defeated Chicago 3-2. Cubs starter Kevin Gausman left Wednesday’s game after diving to make a tag, creating uncertainty about his shoulder and availability for the wild-card round. Before Thursday’s finale, the Cubs announced the release of eight players.

Chicago heads to Boston next to play the Red Sox while battling the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies for wild-card seeding. Left-hander Justin Steele could return to the mound this weekend. Major League Baseball officials have weighed scheduling a Friday doubleheader because of a forecasted nor’easter in Massachusetts, which could cause the Cubs and Red Sox to finish their regular season a day ahead of the rest of the league.