This was not technically a must-win game for the Cubs. But kicking off a four-game series against the division leading Cardinals, whom they trailed by three games, felt about as must-win as it could. An extremely late pre-game lineup change provided a jolt of energy for both the team and fans.
That, of course, was the insertion of Anthony Rizzo into the leadoff spot just days removed from what appeared to be a pretty gruesome ankle injury. The move paid early dividends, as Rizzo launched a 3rd inning homer off of Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty to tie the game at 1-1.