Cubs advance to 3rd consecutive NLCS

MLB PLayoffs

The final piece of the puzzle is in place.

The Chicago Cubs advance to their third consecutive NLCS with a 9-8 win last night in Game 5 of the NLDS over the Washington Nationals.

The Nationals, at home in front of their cheering fans, tried everything they could think of to beat the Cubs -- including the use of Max Scherzer in a wild fifth as their ace gives up four runs in a bat-around-inning.

So, the four teams are in place. The New York Yankees and the Houston Astros tangle on Friday in Houston in the first game of the best-of-seven ALCS, while the Cubs head for LA to face the Dodgers  on Saturday in the first game of the NLCS.

It'll be a real barn burner the rest of the way.