Chicago Cubs Clinch Playoff Berth With 8-4 Win Over Pirates: Ian Happ Shines in Pittsburgh

Wednesday, September 17th, 2025

Chicago Cubs Clinch Postseason Spot With 8-4 Victory Over Pittsburgh Pirates

The Chicago Cubs secured their first postseason berth since 2020 with an impressive 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ian Happ led the offensive charge, homering and driving in three runs as the Cubs continued their strong stretch of play.

Cubs Extend Winning Streak in Pittsburgh

Chicago has now won four consecutive games and seven of its last eight, improving to an 88-64 record and maintaining the top spot in the NL wild-card standings.

Nico Hoerner contributed with two hits and three runs scored, while Justin Turner made an impact after entering the game in the sixth inning, delivering a pair of RBI singles.

Turning Point: Sixth Inning Surge

The Cubs took control in the sixth inning, scoring three runs. The rally was fueled by fielding errors from Pirates reliever Yohan Ramírez and catcher Joey Bart. Michael Busch broke a 4-4 tie with a sacrifice fly, and both Ian Happ and Justin Turner followed with run-scoring singles to widen the lead.

Strong Pitching Holds Pirates in Check

Aaron Civale pitched three scoreless innings in relief to collect the win. Chicago’s bullpen successfully stifled any Pirates comeback attempts over the final innings.

Fast Start for Chicago’s Offense

The Cubs’ bats got hot early, scoring four runs in the first inning before the Pirates recorded an out. Michael Busch drew a walk and came around to score on a balk. Ian Happ followed with his 23rd home run of the season, a two-run blast off Johan Oviedo. Moisés Ballesteros then hammered the very next pitch for his second career home run.

Pirates Answer Early, But Fall Short

Joey Bart kept Pittsburgh close with a three-run homer in the bottom of the first, and Andrew McCutchen tied the game at four with a bases-loaded walk in the second. However, starter Matthew Boyd lasted just three innings, giving up seven hits and two walks in his shortest start of the season.

Key Moment

In the sixth inning, Joey Bart attempted to catch Dansby Swanson stealing second. Swanson advanced to third after Bart’s throw sailed into the outfield, then scored on Michael Busch’s sacrifice fly, breaking the tie and giving Chicago the lead for good.

Key Statistic

The Cubs finished the regular season series against the Pirates with a dominant 10-3 record.

What’s Next

Next up, the Cubs travel to Cincinnati to begin a four-game series against the Reds. The Pirates will host the Athletics for a three-game set starting Friday, concluding their home schedule for the season.

In summary

The Chicago Cubs clinched a playoff berth by defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-4, propelled by key performances from Ian Happ and a strong bullpen. With an 88-64 record, Chicago heads into the final stretch of the MLB season on a hot streak and looks poised for a deep postseason run.

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