Cardinals show complete lack of class as Cubs lock down home-field advantage

The Chicago Cubs will host playoff baseball with fans in the seats at Wrigley Field for the first time since 2018 after clinching home-field advantage in the Wild Card Series with a 7-3 win on Saturday.

The offense was paced by first baseman Michael Busch, who homered twice, tripled and doubled, driving in four as part of a 4-for-4 afternoon at the yard. He came to the plate in the bottom of the eighth, needing just a single to complete the Cubs' second cycle of the season (joining Carson Kelly) - but instead, St. Louis Cardinals manager Oli Marmol intentionally walked him, despite being down by four late.

The boos rained down upon him from every section of the Friendly Confines immediately - and rightfully so. It was a bush league move - no two ways about it. Maybe if it was a tied game or a one-run contest, not wanting to get beat by Busch given the day he'd had makes sense. But given the situation, it was a classless move from the Cubs' longtime rival.

Cubs to host NL Wild Card Series next week at Wrigley Field

Regardless of the Cardinals' sideshow antics, the Cubs got the job done and will face a San Diego Padres team that's really struggled on the road for the NL Wild Card Series, starting on Tuesday. How the starting rotation will play out remains to be seen given the Cade Horton news, but, regardless, it feels good to know playoff baseball is back in Wrigleyville.

The offense seems to be locking in at the perfect time, not only in regards to Busch, but Pete Crow-Armstrong connecting on a video board shot late, as well, his second homer in as many days. The Cubs enter the final day of the regular season Sunday at 91-70, tied for the third-most wins in the National League.

Now, the focus shifts to October.