Chicago Cubs Magic Number Watch: Cardinals Lose, Magic Number Drops to 8
As a Cubs fan it’s always nice when the St. Louis Cardinals lose, but it’s twice as nice when it means the Cubs gain ground on their way to the postseason. That’s what happened last night. The Cubs had a nice, relaxing day off, busy getting healthy and maybe just daydreaming yesterday. Meanwhile, the Cardinals got crushed by the Brewers. That makes me a little less irritated that the Cubs lost 2-of-3 to the Brewers earlier this week.
The Cubs magic number is now a mere 8 games.
The Cubs play a three game set against the Houston Astros this weekend in Houston. The Cardinals play three more games against the Brewers from now through Sunday. So, the Cubs won’t clinch this weekend, that much we know. But, if the Cubs’ magic number is six games or less after Sunday’s games then they will mathematically be able to clinch next week in St. Louis, where they play a three game series starting on Monday. If that doesn’t happen then they will clinch at home during the upcoming 10-game home stand.
Here are the division standings.
| Central | W | L | PCT | GB | E# | L10 | NEXT GAME |
| Chi Cubs | 89 | 50 | .640 | – | – | 7-3 | 9/9 @ HOU, 8:10 PM |
| St. Louis | 73 | 66 | .525 | 16.0 | 8 | 5-5 | 9/9 vs MIL, 8:15 PM |
| Pittsburgh | 69 | 69 | .500 | 19.5 | 5 | 2-8 | 9/9 vs CIN, 7:05 PM |
| Milwaukee | 63 | 77 | .450 | 26.5 | E | 7-3 | 9/9 @ STL, 8:15 PM |
| Cincinnati | 57 | 82 | .410 | 32.0 | E | 2-8 | 9/9 @ PIT, 7:05 PM |
The Cubs currently have a pretty comfortable 7.5 game lead over the Washington Nationals for the best record in the National League. Their magic number to clinch best record is now 16 games. That’s 16 wins by the Cubs, losses by the Nationals or a combination of wins and losses that equals 16.