Cubs Clinch Postseason Berth, Pop Champagne for First Time Since 2020

The Chicago Cubs are heading to the postseason. In a moment of pure relief and exhilaration, the team officially punched its ticket to October with an 8-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. For a team that was limited to muted celebrations during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, this win was cause for a proper, champagne-soaked party.

After the final out, the visiting clubhouse at PNC Park transformed into a celebration five years in the making. Players tossed their shoes into a bin before the bubbly began to flow, drenching the plastic-wrapped walls. For the veterans and newcomers alike, it was a moment to savor.

“This is the right group to do it with, and I love being a Chicago Cub,” said Pete Crow-Armstrong, one of the many players who reveled in the moment.

Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of taking time to celebrate this significant milestone, calling it a unique opportunity to acknowledge the hard work that has gone into the season. "You don't get to do this in regular jobs," he said, highlighting the camaraderie and joy of the collective achievement.

Veteran players echoed their manager's sentiments. As the longest-tenured Cub, Ian Happ recorded the final out, a fitting conclusion to a night that celebrated the team's resilience. For Happ and Nico Hoerner, who were on the 2020 team, this felt like a true postseason berth earned over a full 162-game grind.

“Baseball is such a game of persistence and camaraderie," Hoerner said. "Getting to celebrate like this is a really special thing. It’s obviously not our ultimate goal, but it's still a huge milestone along the way.”

The Cubs' early-game offense set the tone, with a four-run first inning powered by back-to-back homers from Happ and Moisés Ballesteros. While the Pirates battled back to tie the game early, the Cubs' bullpen locked down the win with six scoreless innings.

With a postseason spot secured, the Cubs (88-64) can now focus on their final mission: chasing down the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central title. Despite being 4 1/2 games back, the team holds the tiebreaker, and with 10 games left on the schedule, they still have plenty to play for. But for now, they'll enjoy the feeling of making it back to the big stage.