The Chicago Cubs had every reason to celebrate on Wednesday after clinching their first playoff berth since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

They even had manager Craig Counsell's approval to do so, even though the regular-season mission is not done.

Fresh off its seventh win in eight outings and a celebration with champagne showers, Chicago (88-64) will look to continue its good fortune on Thursday night when it opens a four-game series against the host Cincinnati Reds (76-76).

"Winning's the best. It's the best. It's the reason we play this game," Dansby Swanson told Marquee Sports Network after the Cubs punched their ticket to the playoffs with an 8-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

"It's not about individual numbers. It's about group numbers. It's incredible to

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