Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/26/20) White Sox 9, Cubs 5 – Cubs Clinch NL Central Title Despite Sloppy Loss

Regardless of how we got here and what it looked like, the Cubs are National League Central Champions in 2020. While the Cubs were busy losing 9-5 to the White Sox on the Southside, the Cardinals were getting tripped up as well allowing the Cubs to clinch the third seed in the NL playoffs.

In the 3rd inning, Kris Bryant announced his return to the lineup with a grand slam that was his first home run in a while. The slam came after two walks from Victor Caratini and Anthony Rizzo sandwiched around an HBP to Ian Happ, and it gave the Cubs a 5-2 lead after three.

Unfortunately, that was the high point for the Cubs as defensive miscues and lapses prevented Big Jon Lester from going out on a high note in his last regular-season appearance of the year. He gave up seven earned runs on six hits and three walks in just 3.2 IP, but he didn’t get a whole lot of support and was way better than his line indicated tonight.

Among the big hits for the Sox, James McCann and  Yoan Moncada both went yard as José Abreu cracked an RBI double in the decisive bottom of the 4th. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

In addition to several defensive miscues to let Lester down, the Cubs stopped scoring after Bryant’s bomb.

Key Moment 

Despite the loss, seeing KB drive one out of the ballpark had to feel good for Bryant, Ross, and the rest of Cubs nation.

Stats That Matter

• The Cubs will be heading to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. Hallelujah.
• Despite the lackluster performance that wasn’t all his own doing, Lester surpassed 1,000 innings pitched for the Cubs tonight.
• Bryant was 2-for-4 with two runs and 4 RBI on the night.
• The Cubs will play three consecutive nights starting Wednesday in the wild card round at Wrigley Field.

Bottom Line

The Cubs finish their series against the Sox tomorrow, but let’s be honest, we’re all thinking about Wednesday. Super exciting to be back and congrats to first-year manager David Ross on navigating this team to a Central title during the strangest and most challenging baseball season ever.

On Deck

Adbert Alzolay will get the ball for the Cubs, but we should see José Quintana for at least a few innings, as well. The Sox will counter with Reynaldo López for a 2:10 pm CT start. The game will be on Marquee, NBC Sports Chicago, and TBS. You can hear it on 670 The Score too.