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Cubs seek elusive trip to World Series

The Chicago Cubs once again have a chance to end their championship drought after claiming the National League's second Wild Card with a 97-65 record. They'll head to Pittsburgh for Wednesday's Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser, live on TBS at 7 p.m. CT.

Last time made playoffs: The Cubs won the National League Central in 2008, winning 97 games, but were swept in the NL Division Series by the Dodgers. It was the second straight year in which the Cubs reached the postseason but were swept (D-backs won, 3-0, in 2007 NLDS).

Shop for Cubs postseason gear | Postseason schedule

Last time won playoff series: For the first time since winning the 1908 World Series, the Cubs won a postseason series, taking the 2003 NL Division Series, 3-2, over the Braves. Kerry Wood won two games, striking out 18, and also hit a game-winning two-run double in the first game.

:: NL Wild Card Game: Cubs vs. Pirates -- Tune-in info ::

Last time won NL: In 1945 under manager Charlie Grimm, the Cubs went 98-56 to win the NL pennant and face the Tigers in the World Series.

Last time won World Series: In 1908, the Cubs became the first team to win back to back World Series, beating the Tigers in five games. Chicago batted .293 in the series, led by Frank Chance, who batted .421. In Game 2, Joe Tinker hit the only home run by both teams, which also was the first in World Series play since 1903.

Overall Division Series record: 1-3 in four series; 3-11 in 14 games (0-3, 2008; 0-3, 2007; 3-2, 2003; 0-3, 1998), .214%

Overall LCS record: 0-3 in three series; 6-11 in 17 games (3-4, 2003; 1-4, 1989; 2-3, 1984), .353%

Overall World Series record: 2-8 in 10 series; 18-32 in 50 games (3-4, 1945; 0-4, 1938; 2-4, 1935; 0-4, 1932; 1-4, 1929; 1-4, 1918; 1-4, 1910; 4-0, 1908; 4-0, 1907; 2-4, 1906), .360%

Overall postseason record: 3-14 in 17 series; 27-54 in 81 games, .333%

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings. You can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat and listen to her podcast.
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