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The Chicago Cubs entered the final week of the regular season in control of their own destiny as they aimed to secure the top spot in the National League Wild Card. After a weekend sweep by the Cincinnati Reds, the Cubs welcomed the New York Mets to Wrigley Field on Tuesday, and it was another reminder that the team is playing with a sense of urgency.
Despite the Cubs having a 6-1 lead over the Mets at one point, an early exit from Cade Horton and implosion from the bullpen led to the North Siders losing 9-7. It was the fifth straight loss for the Cubs, and as they enter play on Wednesday night, the San Diego Padres are only 1 1/2 games behind them.
Cubs' latest loss could cost them everything in NL Wild Card race
The Padres are getting hot at the right time, riding a 4-game winning streak, and winners of 7 of their last 10 games. In other words, considering the Cubs are also dealing with an injury to Kyle Tucker and instability in the bullpen, the Padres suddenly have the appearance of a nightmare matchup for the Cubs in the playoffs.
That would be the reason why the Cubs holding the top spot in the National League Wild Card is so important. As a reminder, if the Cubs finish with the top spot, they would host the Padres at Wrigley Field for all three games of the Wild Card round. Having to play those games on the road, with a shaky pitching staff, may set the stage for a discouraging playoff appearance for the Cubs.
Entering play today, with five games remaining on the schedule, the Cubs' magic number to clinch the top Wild Card spot is four. A once comfortable lead has come crashing down for the Cubs this season as they appear to be walking backward into the playoffs. A scenario that has become all too familiar for the Cubs since 2018.