[Westside]

The Cubs are back in the postseason for the third consecutive year. The last time that phenomenon took was place was from 1906-08 when Mordecai Three Finger Brown was Chicago's ace.

The defending World Series champs gave their fans quite the scare throughout most of the season. Getting swept at home by the Brewers early in September sounded the alarm bells that this team could potentially miss the playoffs. But talent won out in the end, and the Cubs rattled off their 12th win in 15 games Wednesday with a 5-1 defeat over the Cardinals to clinch the National League Central.

John Lackey (12-11) allowed just two hits and one run in six innings to earn the win.

Addison Russell was the Cubs' hero offensively, bashing a three-run home run in the seventh inning. The Cubs' offense suffered through an inconsistent season. It appeared unstoppable at times, but also went through stretches where runs were hard to find.


North Chicago had a lot of practice celebrating last year during the Cubs' historic World Series run. Fans are ready to restart the party, but the team will have a tough NLDS matchup against the now-healthy Nationals to start the postseason.

Fate proved to be on the Cubs' side in 2016, but they will have to be more consistent than they were in the regular season to once again storm the playoffs and make it back to the World Series.

http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/wed...tov3aaal71