The Cubs outplayed the Cardinals for 25 of the 27 innings of the three-game series, but it was the eighth inning of the finale that changed the perception of the trip to St. Louis. The bullpen had another meltdown against the Cardinals. And the players were not happy or satisfied and reportedly upset with only winning the series.
The Cubs maintained the lead over the Giants for the second Wild Card (nine games) but lost ground to the Pirates (three back) and the Cardinals in the division (7 ½ games).
With 24 games remaining in the regular season, the Cubs goal is to catch the Cardinals in the NL Central.