Tonight was the 18th victory of the season for Cub’s pitcher, Jon Lester, tying him with Max Scherzer of the Nationals for the National League leader in wins for the year. The Nats will definitely not be headed to the playoffs, but Lester and the Cubs may be able to get a few more. The Cubs also lead the league in shut-outs in 2018 with eighteen, surpassing the Cleveland Indians. These two achievements of “18 in 2018” are the sole reasons why they are still in the race. Clearly, it has not been a year of dominance, but rather a year of fingernail-biting comebacks (43 so far).

The Magic Number for the Cubs is now down to three, just to claim the National League Central. The three best records in the National League happen to be in the same division, and all three can still make the postseason. The Cubs and Brewers have already claimed two of these spots, but the regular season comes down to a three-game series against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. The math is simple: if the Cubs win all three, they’ll claim their 3rd straight division title. So, where “eighteen” was the lucky number tonight, tomorrow it’s down to “three.” The Brewers play a final three-game home-stand against the lowly Detroit Tigers, so a Brew Crew sweep could put them in the driver’s seat, if the Cubs stumble. I guess it’s what most fans want going into the final weekend of the season? Personally, I was hoping that it would be wrapped up by now. I hate the idea of the evil Cardinals having even a chance of ruining the Cubs’ final drive; especially, after the Red Birds were absolutely no help against the Brewers, losing all three on their St. Louis home field.

Admittedly, the Brewers have had another great season. They made some fruitful trades this year that have made them a worthy contender. They deservedly clinched their first playoff berth in 7 years. It’s only their fifth in franchise history, so I’m excited that they are a fresh addition to the stale line-up of traditional playoff regulars. I would hate to see them win the division, but beyond that I will support them should the Cubs falter. It would be a shame if the Cubs have to play them again, since they’ve met so many times already this year. By right, the Cubs have already proved their dominance, but unfortunately most of that was determined early in the season. In all honesty, the Brewers have been the better team since the All-Star break, and I would be very concerned about the outcome of a final battle. 

I give the Cubs credit for fighting back to square the final series against the Pirates. I also give them credit for a 14-11 record down the September stretch run, despite a tough road schedule.  I’m glad I got to see them win against the White Sox in Chicago, and I’m proud that they’ve somehow so-far prevented the hot Brewers from catching them in the standings. They hold a slim one-game lead and maintain the best record in the National League with 93 wins. 96 would be ideal, but 95 probably more realistic, so I’m hoping for a Tiger upset in at least one game.

What I’ve gotten to know as the “Comeback Cubbies,” as they have in too many of their games this year, it seems only appropriate that they once-again fall behind in the race before the finish. Perhaps they tie-it-up in the last game, and have to go to the extra game tie-breaker to win the division at Wrigley? Let’s hope they can get it done without that level of drama. Go Cubs and Tigers! Better luck next year White Sox!