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The Margin Ep. 7 | The Cubs’ Magic Number Is 5 | Five For Fighting
What if the most important number for the 2026 Chicago Cubs isn't ERA, WAR or runs scored?
What if it's simply five innings?
Through 132 games, the Cubs are 74-25 when they're leading, tied or down just one run after five innings. That's a .747 winning percentage.
But when they're down two or more after five?
2-31.
That's not a gradual decline. That's a cliff.
In Episode 7 of The Margin, Nate looks at the number that may simplify the chaos of this entire Cubs season and completely change the way we should evaluate their pitching staff heading toward October.
The Cubs don't need every starter…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.