Welcome back. When last we looked back, the Cubs had won four straight to close out the week, culminating with a sweep of the Braves who would go on to win the NL West. With those wins, the Cubs had a 7½-game lead on the NL East. The Mets had also finished their week with four straight wins (by a total of five runs!) and, despite a 22-23 record, were now knocking on the door for second place in the division behind a fading Pirates club.
This week, the Astros come to town for two games and the Reds would follow with three.