Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs clinch first MLB playoff berth since 2008

The Chicago Cubs, led by Jake Arrieta, Kris Bryant and manager Joe Maddon, will make their first playoff appearance since 2008.

The Chicago Cubs have clinched a playoff berth after the San Francisco Giants lost 5–4 to the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. Chicago missed an opportunity to secure a postseason trip after losing 3–2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier in the afternoon.

Chicago will make its first playoff appearance since 2008 when the team failed to make it out of the National League Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Chicago remains in contention for the National League Central title. The St. Louis Cardinals lead the Cubs in the NL Central by 7 1/2 games. St. Louis leads Pittsburgh by three games. As of right now, the Cubs and the Pirates will face each other in a one-game playoff scheduled for Oct. 7. The team that finishes with the best final regular season record will serve as the host.

• Updated MLB standings, postseason odds and magic numbers

Chicago last appeared in the World Series in 1945 and has not won it since 1908.

Jake Arrieta leads the team in pitching with 20 victories and a 1.88 ERA in 31 starts. Anthony Rizzo has the most home runs with 30 as Kris Bryant has the most RBIs with 98. 

• CAULDRON: Arrieta’s rise to ace | Arrieta, Bryant lead awards race

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- Christopher Chavez