Playoff-bound: Cubs clinch berth in 2020 postseason

After missing the playoffs in 2019, the Cubs will return to the postseason in 2020. (Credit: @Cubs on Twitter)

Cole Little · Senior Writer · Tuesday, September 22 2020

The Chicago Cubs are headed to the postseason for the fifth time in six seasons, as a Washington Nationals walkoff home run clinched a playoff spot for the North Siders. Yadiel Hernandez went yard with a two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth, giving the Nationals an 8-7 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park.

Entering Tuesday, the Cubs' magic number for earning a playoff bid stood at one, and the Phillies losing clinched a playoff berth for the Cubs. At the time of Hernandez's walkoff bomb, Chicago was tied 2-2 with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Cubs will now set their sights on winning the National League Central.

The #Cubs have officially clinched a spot in the postseason! #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/O3q0lmr7Cm
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 23, 2020

With the Phillies loss to the Nationals, the @Cubs have clinched a postseason spot! pic.twitter.com/nNlEZeUwyV
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 23, 2020

Yadiel Hernandez walks it off! His first #MLB home run. #Nationals #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/byvuuxxnER
— Justin Groc (@jgroc) September 23, 2020

Yadiel Hernandez played 900+ combined career games in international and Minor League play.

Today, the 32-year-old launched his 1st career @MLB HR.#WALKOFF // #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/3jqOWCtn1E
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 23, 2020

#Phillies 7 @ #Nationals 8 [B8-1o]:

Yadiel Hernandez homers (1): fly ball to RF (2-run)

Hit: 382ft, 100.6mph, 31°??

Pitch: 90mph Cutter (RHP Brandon Workman, 4)
— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) September 23, 2020