Javier Baez's tiebreaking single has capped a four-run rally in the ninth inning for the Chicago Cubs to beat the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in Game 4 to win their NL Division Series.
Chasing their first World Series title since 1908, the Cubs will open the NL Championship Series at home on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Washington Nationals. That match-up is tied 2-all heading into Thursday's deciding Game 5.
Held to two hits over eight innings by Matt Moore, the Cubs trailed 5-2 on Tuesday night before coming back against a beleaguered bullpen that sabotaged San Francisco one last time.
The Cubs are into their second consecutive NLCS after finally ending San Francisco's remarkable winning streak in post-season elimination games.
Pinch-hitter Willson Contreras tied it with a two-run single with none out. Baez singled in the go-ahead run two batters later, and the Cubs capitalised on Gold Glove shortstop Brandon Crawford's second costly error and more blunders by the Giants' relief staff.
One day after getting tagged in the eighth inning of Chicago's 6-5 loss in 13, Aroldis Chapman closed it out by striking out the side in order. When he set down Brandon Belt to end it, Chapman's teammates rushed to hug him and begin the celebration.
Cubs players gathered on the mound for a group photo before bouncing up and down. They saluted their loyal blue-clad fans, cheering madly from the seats above their dugout.
After finishing off the feisty Giants, Chicago earn another short break before opening the NLCS at Wrigley Field. Cubs manager Joe Maddon should have his rotation all lined up - lefty Jon Lester was not needed to pitch a potential Game 5.
Maddon has his confident, power-hitting Cubs on an October roll. They already beat All-Star Johnny Cueto and ex-Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija, then waited until Moore's stellar outing was done to pounce.
The team with baseball's best regular-season record at 103-58 took a step closer to ending their 108-year title drought.
Chicago were swept by the New York Mets last year in a four-game NLCS.
The Giants had won 10 straight games when facing post-season elimination. The World Series champions in 2010, '12 and '14, their every-other-year title chance is over in '16 with the club's first post-season series defeat in the past 12.
Moore struck out 10 in eight innings.
After Cubs starter John Lackey's night was done, Hector Rondon pitched the eighth for the win.
