The Leadoff Man

After a scorching hot run that saw the Cubs win 10 of their last 12 games, they’ve positioned themselves right in the thick of the Wild Card race. Playoff chances are up to 7.8% per Fangraphs and 13.6% per Baseball Reference

The Cubs, now 71-66, have swept both the Pirates and Nationals on the road, showing their determination to stay in the postseason hunt. I had the pleasure of experiencing this run firsthand with my son, as we made our way to Washington, D.C., on Friday night to watch Shota Imanaga take the mound against the Nationals. We had great seats, and it was a memorable father-son moment as we witnessed the Cubs pull off a thrilling 7-6 victory.

With meaningful September baseball on the horizon, the Cubs will look to keep their momentum going as they return home for a three-game series against the Pirates. This recent surge is exactly what the Cubs needed to turn their season around and make a serious run at October.

@cubssuperfanmark

We went to ride the Cubs winning streak at Nats Park in DC. #cubs #gocubsgo #flythew @Cubs

Cubs Stay Hot with Road Sweep

The Cubs have won 10 of their last 12 games, sweeping the Pirates and Nationals on the road.

The Cubs’ recent road trip couldn’t have gone any better. After sweeping the Pirates at PNC Park, where they scored a staggering 41 runs in three games, the Cubs carried that momentum into Washington, completing another sweep. This impressive stretch has pushed their record to 71-66, putting them just a few games out of the final Wild Card spot. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, especially on the road, has been a key factor in their success. With their offense firing on all cylinders and the pitching staff holding the line, the Cubs are finally playing the kind of baseball that fans have been waiting for all season. But the road to the postseason is far from easy, and the Cubs know they need to keep up this level of play if they want to secure a spot in October.

Hitting Heats Up in August

The Cubs' offense has exploded in August, led by standout performances from key players.

Since the start of August, the Cubs' bats have been on fire. Players like Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki have all stepped up, leading a powerful offensive charge that’s seen the team climb back into playoff contention. The numbers speak for themselves: Bellinger’s .280 average and 8 home runs, Happ’s .344 on-base percentage, and Suzuki’s .287 batting average highlight just how dangerous this lineup has become.

Meanwhile, rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a revelation, posting a .333 batting average and a 153 wRC+ in just 26 games. As the Cubs head into the final stretch, this offensive resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. If the Cubs can maintain this production, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in September.

Crucial Series Against Pirates at Home

The Cubs return home on 9/2/24 for a three-game series against the Pirates.

After a successful road trip, the Cubs are set to return to Wrigley Field, where they’ll face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a crucial three-game series. The last time these two teams met, the Cubs dominated, scoring 41 runs in three games at PNC Park. With the offense clicking and the pitching staff performing well, this series presents a golden opportunity for the Cubs to continue their hot streak and solidify their position in the Wild Card race. However, they must remain focused, as the Pirates will undoubtedly be looking for revenge. The Cubs need to carry their road success into this homestand to keep their playoff dreams alive.

The Closer

The Cubs have certainly taken us on a rollercoaster ride this season. We started strong in April, riding high with hope and excitement, only to face tough stretches in May, June, and July. But just when it seemed like the season might slip away, the Cubs roared back in August, posting the second-best record in baseball at 21-10—only the Oakland A's fared better. This team has shown resilience and the ability to bounce back, and now, as they face a challenging September, the stakes couldn't be higher.

The path to the postseason is tough, but it’s not impossible. With an easier schedule on the horizon, including matchups against the Pirates and Rockies, the Cubs have a golden opportunity to make a serious push. But let’s not forget, they’ll need to bring their A-game against powerhouses like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Phillies later this month.

It’s been a wild ride, Cubs fans, and it’s not over yet. Let’s stay behind our team and see if they can finish strong. Making the Wild Card would do wonders for enticing free-agent arms to join the team in 2025. The potential for a postseason appearance could be just the ticket to drawing top talent to Wrigley Field next year, setting the stage for an even brighter future.