The Cubs eeked out a win in the first game of the series last night as the thinly-stretched pitching staff did just enough to preserve a one-run margin. They gained a half-game on the idle Brewers and leap-frogged the Giants for the second Wild Card spot, so the slim victory was that much sweeter. It’ll take several more wins to secure a postseason bid, however, and not many are feeling super confident about those chances tonight.
That’s because the Cubs are turning to Drew Smyly, who has a 10.80 ERA over his last six starts and whose last three appearances have all been single-inning relief efforts.