Cubs Hold On to a Chip and a Chair: Sweep of the Sox Fuels Playoff Push

The Leadoff Man

The Cubs are sitting at the playoff poker table, and while they don’t have a stack of chips, they’ve got just enough to stay in the game. It’s like the old Texas Hold 'Em saying, “All you need is a chip and a chair.” The Cubs have managed to hang around, and with a couple of chips and a chair, they’re not folding just yet. After sweeping the White Sox, they’ve won a couple of crucial hands and are still very much alive in the game. Now, it’s time to see if they can keep winning and build their stack as the season heads toward its final stretch. The stakes are high, but as long as they’re at the table, anything can happen.

Cubs Sweep the White Sox

The Cubs delivered when it mattered most, sweeping the White Sox in a crucial weekend series. 

Anything less than a sweep would have been a disappointment for the Cubs, but they managed to pull through despite some tense moments.

Friday night’s game saw the Cubs jump out to a commanding 7-0 lead, only to watch it nearly slip away as the White Sox rallied late. Fortunately, they held on for a nail-biting 7-6 victory. Saturday’s game was another tight contest, with the Cubs breaking a late tie thanks to a struggling White Sox bullpen, ultimately securing a 3-1 win. This sweep not only boosts the Cubs' confidence but also keeps their playoff hopes alive as they fight to climb back into the race. It wasn’t easy, but the Cubs showed resilience and determination—two qualities that will be crucial as they push toward the postseason.

The Odds

The Cubs' playoff odds are on the rise after their weekend sweep of the White Sox. 

Entering the weekend, the Cubs had a slim 7.6% chance of making the playoffs. However, after taking care of business with two wins, their chances have increased to 9.5%.

The Cubs also saw modest gains in their odds of winning the division and clinching a wild card spot, moving from 2.3% to 2.8% and from 5.3% to 6.7%, respectively. While these numbers still reflect an uphill battle, the Cubs' recent surge has them trending in the right direction. Every win counts as the team works to chip away at the standings and make an improbable run toward October. With momentum on their side, the Cubs have put themselves in a position to keep fans dreaming of a playoff push.

The Standings

The Cubs are gaining ground in the NL Central, but there's still work to do. 

With a record of 59-60, the Cubs sit 9.0 games back of the division-leading Brewers, but their recent hot streak has kept them in the playoff conversation.

Over their last 10 games, the Cubs have gone 8-2, giving them a much-needed boost in the standings. The Brewers, while still in control of the division with a 67-50 record, have only managed a 6-4 record over the same stretch. The Cardinals remain in second place but have struggled lately, going 4-6 in their last 10 games, which has allowed the Cubs to close the gap slightly. The Pirates and Reds are fading fast, with the Reds in particular on a dreadful 1-9 slide. As the Cubs continue their push, each game becomes critical. The next few weeks will determine if they can leapfrog their division rivals and secure a spot in the postseason.

The Closer

The Cubs are off to a strong start on the road to MY 9-2 goal, having secured two critical wins in their sweep of the White Sox. This stretch of games is vital for the team’s postseason aspirations, and they’re showing early signs of meeting the challenge head-on. With these two victories, the Cubs are already 2-0 on the way to what could be a season-defining 9-2 run.

The offense has been clutch when needed, and the pitching staff has delivered under pressure—exactly what’s required if the Cubs are to keep climbing the standings. There’s still work to be done, and the margin for error remains thin, but the Cubs are showing the kind of resilience and focus necessary to navigate this stretch successfully.

If they can maintain this momentum, they’ll be in a much better position to make a legitimate run toward the postseason. The goal is within reach, but it will take continued top-notch performances from both sides of the ball. It’s a tall order, but the Cubs are proving they’re ready to rise to the occasion with these two wins in the books.

Let’s keep cheering them on as they push toward this critical milestone. The next few games will be key—let’s see if the Cubs can keep the momentum going and continue their charge toward October.

Go Cubs Go!