Defending champs revel in 3rd straight berth

Last year, the Cubs ended the longest championship drought in professional sports by winning their first World Series since 1908. On Wednesday, they completed the first stage of their mission to repeat as champions, clinching their second straight National League Central title with a 5-1 victory over the Cardinals. The Cubs now are in the playoffs for the third straight year, something the franchise has not done since 1906-08.