The Cubs (45-50) were able to take two of three from the putrid Washington Nationals to at least keep within shouting distance of the top of their division. The final two games of the series saw Chicago score 25 runs against Washington’s disastrous bullpen. They now face another must-win series as the rival St. Louis Cardinals (43-53) come to Wrigley for four.
The Cards have come out of the All-Star break on fire, winning their first two series and riding a five-game winning streak that has pulled them out of last place. The hitting has been leading the way, as they’ve averaged 6.