The Chicago Cubs had multiple rallies to pull off an extra-innings 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds, as the team's magical start has continued. Arguably, the most entertaining piece of Chicago's hot start has been a refusal to quit, with late-inning magic becoming an expectation from Cubs fans. The defining moment came after a blown save with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong delivering a game-tying two-run home run that would force extra innings and set up a game-winning walk.
It is another example of a team playing perfectly off of each other and finding ways to gut out a win each night. While it was a thrilling series for the Cubs, quietly, it was a huge win streak, with it pulling Chicago within a half-game of the National League's best record.
The Atlanta Braves finally lost their first series of the season and gave Chicago an opportunity to close important ground. While there is an incredibly long season ahead, holding not only the division but the National League's best record very much feels as if it is in the grasp of a team that continues to fight and invent ways to win.
Chicago is fighting with Atlanta and the Los Angeles Dodgers for this in the first two months of the season, with the lead not clearly in sight. Homefield is such an incredible advantage, as evidenced by three straight nights of walk-off magic, and now an early-season chance to hold this right is within Chicago's grasp.
Cubs Late-Inning Magic Puts Chicago Within Reach of National League's Best Record
While it was Crow-Armstrong that extended the game, it was a familiar hero for Chicago, with Michael Busch having the series of his life walking off a third straight game. This speaks to just how special this team has been and how much fun they are having playing together in the first two months of the 2026 season.
Now, the franchise has a chance to ride this momentum into taking early control of the National League. As great as the Braves and Dodgers have been, both teams are dealing with a handful of key injuries that clearly have left the door open for the Cubs to take control and give themselves a bit of early-season breathing room.
After a frustrating end to the 2025 season, it is fun to watch the Cubs not only take control of their division but continue to make it clear they are among the league's elite. It will be interesting to watch whether Chicago can take advantage of this opportunity as Atlanta heads into a weekend series in Los Angeles, clearly opening the door for the Cubs to take over and sit atop the National League as the team continues to steamroll through the first two months of the season.
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