Welcome to Cubs Playoff Watch, your daily look at the Chicago Cubs as they continue to push toward their first division title since the 2008 season.
Cubs’ Magic Number: 19
The Cubs ended up being the cardiac kids on Monday night, storming back from a 6-3 deficit to tie the game and force extra innings. They also went down by a run in the 13th inning, but an RBI single from Anthony Rizzo tied things up and Miguel Montero ended the game with an RBI single to give the Cubs an improbable 8-7 victory.
Jake Arrieta struggled in the game, giving up six runs in six and a third innings of work, but the bullpen stood tall and kept the Cubs in the game long enough to give Montero the opportunity to play the role of hero.
Unfortunately for the Cubs, the St. Louis Cardinals had a big-time hiccup on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers, but it wasn’t enough to cost them their game. Their bullpen coughed up four runs in the sixth inning of the game, but a late throwing error by Brewers reliever Tyler Thornburg allowed Stephen Piscotty to score the winning run in a 6-5 triumph that kept the Cubs from gaining ground in the Central Division.
Magic Number to Clinch Home-Field Advantage: 25
The Cubs also gained minimal ground on the Washington Nationals, as the Nats picked up a 4-0 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night. Tanner Roark threw seven innings of shutout ball in the contest, and Anthony Rendon, Clint Robinson, and Trea Turner (who has reached base in 19 consecutive games) all had RBI singles for the Nationals.
Chicago Baseball
What’s Next:
The Cubs will continue their three-game series against the Pirates on Tuesday night, as Kyle Hendricks will look to continue his dominant pitching at Wrigley Field. In his last 17 total starts, Hendricks has a 1.70 ERA, giving up three or fewer earned runs in every one of those games. Chad Kuhl will take the hill for the Pirates as they look to gain more ground in the wild card race.
As for the Cardinals, they’ll try to keep up their winning ways against the lowly Brewers, who will send Wily Peralta to the hill. The Cardinals will counter with Adam Wainwright, who sports a 9-8 record with a 4.67 ERA so far this season for the Redbirds.
Finally, the Nationals will look to win their second game in a row against the Phillies, and they’ll be sending the right man to the mound to do it, as Max Scherzer will toe the slab at Citizens Bank Park. Scherzer struck out 10 batters in his last start against the Baltimore Orioles, and he will look to continue that run of good work in the City of Brotherly Love.
