Yesterday was a thoroughly imperfect outcome for the Chicago Cubs in terms of their external rooting interests. While it was debatable whether you wanted to see the Cardinals sweep the Pirates in their doubleheader or vice versa, everyone could agree that a split was no good.
But split they did, which means the Cubs gained only a half-game on the Pirates with their win against the Reds, and the Cardinals clinched the Central.
(Savor the feeling, Cardinals fans. Might have to tide you over for a long time.)
The Cubs trail the Pirates by 2.5 games for the top Wild Card spot, and, although the Cubs hold the tiebreaker, it doesn’t look great for a comeback. Even if the Cubs win today and cut the deficit to 2.0 games, they’ll head into their final series against the Brewers needing a sweep *and* needing the Pirates to lose two of three to the Reds at home. (Or the Cubs need to win two of three and the Pirates need to be swept by the Reds, who’ve lost 11 in a row.)
So, then: is it possible the Cubs could pull it off? Yup, absolutely. Is it probable? Nope.
But let’s see if the Cubs can win today, and then you just never know.