The Oakland Athletics secured a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs, with Tyler Soderstrom hitting a home run and going 2 for 4, and Zack Gelof contributing a crucial double in the eighth inning. This win also helped the Milwaukee Brewers become the first team in the major leagues to clinch a playoff spot for this season. After Chicago’s loss, the Brewers officially secured a playoff berth, having won the National League Central division for the third time in four years.

22-year-old Tyler Soderstrom had an impressive game, scoring two runs and driving in two more to lead Oakland to a series victory over the Cubs. Brent Rooker also performed well, going 2 for 3 with an RBI and two walks. Tyler Ferguson earned the win after pitching a hitless seventh inning, while Michel Otañez struck out two in the eighth. Mason Miller closed the game with his 27th save of the season.

Soderstrom’s home run in the fourth inning, his first since June 28, gave the Athletics an early lead of 1-0. The Cubs rallied in the fifth inning, with Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki hitting RBI singles, and Cody Bellinger adding a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1. However, Oakland fought back in the seventh inning with timely hits by Soderstrom, Tyler Nevin, Lawrence Butler, and Brent Rooker to tie the game.

In the eighth inning, Zack Gelof’s RBI double put Oakland back in the lead, with Gelof later scoring to secure a 5-3 advantage on a ground ball by Soderstrom. Chicago’s Justin Steele, returning from elbow tendinitis, had a short outing of 2 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and three walks before being replaced after loading the bases. Ethan Roberts took over and finished the inning without allowing any earned runs attached to Steele.

Looking ahead, RHP Javier Assad is set to start for the Cubs in their upcoming series opener against the Nationals, while the A’s will have J.T. Ginn on the mound for their Friday game at home against the Yankees. In injury news, the Cubs activated Steele and RHP Jorge López from the injured list and made roster moves to accommodate their return. Manager Craig Counsell also provided updates on RHP Hunter Wesneski’s readiness to return to action.