Far from being a consolation prize for also-rans, the National League wild-card game on Wednesday night features the second and third best teams in baseball.
When the Chicago Cubs visit the Pittsburgh Pirates at 8 p.m., Eastern time, the loser will take its 97 or 98 wins and go home, while the winner will earn the right to face baseball’s best team, the St. Louis Cardinals, in the next round.
The teams have played 19 times this year, with the Cubs holding an 11-8 edge.
Here’s a look at the combatants in the heavyweight showdown on TBS.