The Cubs (65-66) took two of three from the Marlins for their third consecutive series win over the weekend. Chicago is climbing up the standings but not putting together the kind of winning streak needed to truly get back in the race as days continue falling off the calendar. The second stop on their three-city road trip is at PNC Park for three games against the Pirates starting Monday.
Pittsburgh (62-68) ended the month of July with a 55-53 record that put them right in the heart of the playoff race. Then the bottom completely fell out with a 7-15 mark so far in August that featured a nine-game losing streak that dropped them to last place in the National League Central.