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CUBS VS PIRATES — With nine straight games coming up against the Pirates and Nationals (plus ten more against the Rockies, A’s, and Nationals after that), the Chicago Cubs still have the weakest remaining schedule in the National League. But … they’re not really doing anything with it.
Sure, they’ve won three straight series and six series in their last seven tries. But where has that gotten them? They briefly touched .500 (which is nice, but a totally arbitrary target) without improving their playoff odds, all while weakening their draft position for 2025.
NL Wild Card Standings:
- D-Backs: 75-56
- Padres: 74-81
- Braves: 70-60 —–
- Mets: 68-63 (2.5 GB)
- Giants: 66-66 (5.0 GB)
- Cardinals: 65-65 (5.0 GB)
- Cubs: 65-66 (5.5 GB)
- Reds: 63-68 (7.5 GB)
- Pirates: 62-68 (8.0 GB)
It’s been good to see young players break out (PCA and Miguel Amaya) and the bullpen settle in, but it’s all just an empty nod to what could maybe-possibly-hopefully, be next year. It’s just not enough.
Okay, let’s talk some specifics.
The Cubs have Justin Steele going in this series, which is nice, but Mitch Keller is good and pitching tonight. Plus, they’ll get Paul Skenes for the THIRD TIME on Wednesday.
Yeah, the Cubs got to him just fine in his debut, but in his very next start against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Skenes struck out 11, walked one, and allowed no hits through 6.0 innings. So … yeah. He’s been on an incredible run this year, with 130 strikeouts in 104.0 IP. If the Cubs don’t win tonight and tomorrow, I don’t think they’ll win this series.
Cubs vs Pirates – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Cubs vs Pirates – Monday, August 26 at 5:40 pm CT at PNC Park
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Game 2: Cubs vs Pirates – Tuesday, August 27 at 5:40 CT at PNC Park
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Game 3: Cubs vs Pirates – Wednesday, August 28 at 11:35 CT at PNC Park
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score
Cubs vs Pirates – Key Injuries:
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