The Chicago Cubs notched a comeback win over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field, inching closer to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Wild Card hunt.
The Cubs, who lost two-of-three to the Pittsburgh Pirates and seven-of-eight overall just a few days ago, are still in a playoff spot as things stand on Saturday after their 6-3 victory over the Rockies.
Here is where things stand as action continues Saturday:
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What is the Cubs’ magic number?
After their win over the Rockies, the Cubs’ magic number to clinch a playoff berth dropped to seven, as they expanded their lead over the Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds.
A “magic number” illustrates how many wins a team needs, along with the number of losses by their closest-rival in the playoff chase, to clinch a spot in the postseason.
The win was the Cubs’ 81st of the season, which guarantees them at least a .500 record on the year. The Marlins currently have 75 losses on the season.
MLB
What are the standings?
Here is the current National League Wild Card update:
Phillies: 86-69
Diamondbacks: 81-73
Cubs: 81-74
Marlins: 80-75 (1 GB)
Reds: 79-77 (2.5 GB)
Giants: 77-78 (4 GB)
The Diamondbacks are off on Saturday due to rain in New York. They’ll make that game up on Monday, then will head to Chicago to face the White Sox for a three-game series starting on Tuesday.
The Phillies knocked off the Mets, drawing ever-closer to clinching the top wild card spot.
The Marlins had an afternoon game against the Brewers. They coughed up a 4-0 lead, but ultimately won 5-4 to stay within one game of the Cubs. The Brewers also failed to clinch the Central Division, with their magic number to do so still remaining one.
The Reds had a night game against the Pirates, and though they led 9-0, they ultimately lost in heartbreaking fashion, putting a dent in their playoff hopes.