THE CHICAGO CUBS are back in the MLB postseason for a third consecutive year after a win over the St Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

The last time they reached the playoffs in three straight years was from 1906-08.

The defending World Series champions gave their fans quite the scare throughout most of the season.

Getting swept at home by the Milwaukee Brewers early in September sounded the alarm bells that this team could potentially miss the playoffs.

But talent won out in the end, and the Cubs rattled off their 12th win in 15 games with a 5-1 defeat of the Cardinals to clinch the National League Central.

John Lackey (12-11) allowed just two hits and one run in six innings to earn the win.

Addison Russell was the Cubs’ hero offensively, bashing a three-run homer in the seventh inning.

The Cubs’ offence suffered through an inconsistent season. It appeared unstoppable at times, but also went through stretches where runs were hard to find.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

Houston Astros 12-2 Texas Rangers
Miami Marlins 9-15 Colorado Rockies
Seattle Mariners 5-6 Oakland Athletics
San Francisco Giants 3-4 Arizona Diamondbacks
Baltimore Orioles 3-5 Pittsburgh Pirates
Tampa Bay Rays 1-6 New York Yankees
Washington Nationals 5-7 Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Cubs 5-1 St Louis Cardinals
Atlanta Braves 1-7 New York Mets
Minnesota Twins 2-4 Cleveland Indians
Toronto Blue Jays 7-10 Boston Red Sox
Cincinnati Reds 6-0 Milwaukee Brewers
Los Angeles Angels 4-6 Chicago White Sox
Detroit Tigers 4-7 Kansas City Royals
San Diego Padres 0-10 Los Angeles Dodgers