Cubs MLB best 9-game winning streak being aided by one major factor

The Cubs have an MLB-best 9-game winning streak, and it’s not because they’re flawless. They’ve turned late innings into their advantage, and that’s what is separating them right now. Not just from the NL, but from all of MLB.

On Wednesday, Chicago walked off the Reds again, grinding out a 10-inning win that featured another ninth-inning comeback and another magical finish in the friendly confines. The Cubs have stacked multiple walk-off wins in this streak and pushed their Wrigley home run of dominance to a ridiculous level. And it’s not by accident. The Cubs lineup keeps pressure on pitchers, their bench contributes, and the bullpen hasn’t completely imploded.

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The Major Factor

The major factor driving this streak is simple – late-game offense that doesn’t quit. Not just one guy. Not one inning. But a pattern. The Cubs are scoring in the seventh, eighth, ninth, and extras, and they’re doing it against real relievers, not mop-ups. That’s what makes it sustainable. Great teams don’t need nine perfect innings. One ugly inning that flips a game will do just fine. Peachy, in fact.

And yes, the bullpen matters too, even when it’s patched together. The Cubs have gotten enough key outs from the back end to give the offense a chance to steal games late. That the relievers have been able to hold the line has given the offense the shot at that one swing that’s cashed.