Cubs Clinch National League Central

The Chicago Cubs lost their game against Milwaukee on September 15th, but still became the first major league team this season to clinch a division title. That’s because the 2nd place St. Louis Cardinals lost to the San Francisco Giants, and with the Cubs’ magic number to clinch at one going into action, the Cards were eliminated from the division crown race, but are still alive for a Wild Card post season berth.

The Cubs still have some unfinished business in the regular season. At 93-53, Chicago has the best record in the National League (Washington is next at 87-59) and would like to keep it that way for home field advantage throughout the N.L. Playoffs, as they are 51-21 at home this year. Expectations ran very high this year, after the team unexpectedly made it all the way to the National League Championship Series last year before bowing the New York Mets.

With another year of experience for their young players, and a couple of additions to the roster, the Cubs started strong and have pretty much stayed that way all season. John Lackey has been a solid addition to the starting rotation, and the mid season acquisition of Aroldis Chapman gave the Cubs a top of the line closer. Right fielder Janson Heyward has struggled at the plate but has greatly improved the team’s defense. With Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Ben Zobrist, and Addison Russell’s bats in the lineup, they’ve been able to deal with Heyward’s off year.