Miami Marlins starting pitcher Ryan Gusto looked sharp through 5.1 innings, and the offense scratched out a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday,

Gusto surrendered Chicago's only two runs, both earned, before exiting the game. He notched five strikeouts and two walks, but didn't factor in the decision. Cade Gibson was credited with the victory after entering the game in relief and striking out two  struck out two batters in the seventh inning

First baseman Kyle Stowers continued his hot hitting when he broke open a scoreless ballgame in the sixth with a two-run home run. That was enough to chase Cubbies starter Kevin Gausman, who had been excellent up to that point. He left the game after 5.1 innings with seven Ks and just one walk. His only real mistake was the shot by Stowers.

The game would enter the seventh inning deadlocked at 2-2. From there, the Fish would get an RBI from catcher Joe Mack that turned out to be the game-winning run as the Marlins bullpen finished off the playoff-bound Cubs.

For the second night in a row, the Marlins thwarted a playoff-clinching win for Chicago, whose magic number for the spot remains at one. The Cubs still need just a win, or a loss by the Arizona Diamondbacks, to officially secure an NL Wild Card berth. While it's inevitable that the Windy City Nine will be playing in October, the feisty Fish have done all they can to make sure Chicago's entry doesn't come at their expense.

The Marlins (78-80) will play their final road contest of the year at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field on Thursday. They have compiled a 33-47 record away this season from loanDepot Park, a figure they will have to improve on if they expect to contend in 2027.

At the same time, the Marlins have positioned themselves to still conceivably finish at .500 for the year if they go 3-1 the rest of the way. Following their set in Chicago, they ship back to South Florida for the final three games of the year against the Atlanta Braves.

So there's still something to play for, and the young Marlins appear to have found their purpose following a sweep by the San Diego Padres. They may not be playoff-bound, but they are certainly showing a lot of guts... all the way to the end.

That bodes well for this emerging team for 2027 and beyond. But first things first: They hit the field early - for a day game to finish off this year's road slate.

Miami will send Tyler Phillips to the mound to start. The righty is 5-6 with a 3.45 ERA and 99 strikeouts. He will be opposed by Cubs; lefthanded pitcher Matthew Boyd (9-5, 4.06 ERA, (93 Ks). First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 PM ET.