The 2020 MLB postseason picture got a bit clearer on Thursday night, as Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, and Chicago Cubs all managed to secure the playoff spot.
Braves got their spot by clinching the NL East title for the third straight year, beating Miami Marlins 11-1 to get there. Atlanta was fueled by Bryse Wilson, who pitched five scoreless innings, while Marcell Ozuna added two home runs.
Cleveland, on the other hand, secured a 5-3 win over Chicago White Sox that pushed them to a 31-24 record and a wild-card berth in American League. Indians’ win was highlighted by third baseman Jose Ramirez’s three-run homer in the 10th inning.
“Once I hit it, I knew it was a home run because I got it right on the barrel,” said Ramirez after the game. “There was a lot less champagne than usual, but it was still a good celebration.”
Finally, Chicago Cubs suffered a 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh Pirates but still managed to book their ticket to the postseason. Cubs squeezed in thanks to the Washington Nationals’ sweep of Philadelphia Phillies.
Indians joined Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, NY Yankees, and Minnesota Twins as the playoff teams from American League. Braves and Cubs, on the other hand, will represent the National League alongside Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
