The Cubs had taken over first place in the NL East in early June 1984, but about a month later slid out of the top spot. By July 27 they were 4½ games out of the division lead and many of us watching the team were thinking, "Uh-oh. Same old swoon."
But after losing that July 27 game, the first of four in New York against the rival Mets, they took the next three and returned home to win two of three from the Phillies and three of four from the Expos. That stretch of winning eight of 10 put the Cubs in first place again, but their lead over New York was just half a game as the Mets came to town for a four-game series.