Three Final Road Games...In Chicago
After a strong showing in San Francisco and Colorado, the Cards now see themselves a half game back of the Mets and Giants in the Wild Card with a record of 80-72. The Giants led the MLB at the all-star break with 57 wins, but have an MLB worst 23 wins since the break. The Giants have also not played good baseball against the Padres this year, so the Cards can only hope that continues this weekend. The Mets have been playing good baseball since the break, unless they play the Braves who now own the season series against them by finishing off a sweep of New York last night.
Now, to the matter at hand. The Cardinals have played so much better on the road this year than at home and it is still puzzling to this day. Kind of reminiscent of the Blues home struggles this past playoff season. That being said the Cards open up a weekend series tomorrow at Wrigley. Game one is set to be a tough one as Mike Leake (9-10, 4.54 ERA) takes on Cubs ace Jake Arrieta (17-7, 2.96 ERA) game time is 1:20 PM/CT. Game two looks a bit more promising for the Cardinals as Alex Reyes (3-1, 1.03 ERA) goes against Jason Hammel (15-9, 3.56 ERA) with a 12:05 PM/CT start. Finally, for sunday night baseball Carlos Martinez (15-8, 3.16 ERA) will face off against Jon Lester (18-4, 2.36 ERA) with a 7:10 PM/CT first pitch. The chances are there for the Cards to possibly take two of three in a series they desperately need to win since the Giants and Mets will be playing lesser opponents this weekend. As of tonight, ten games to go. These three on the road and then seven at home against the Reds and Pirates. Home stretch, go Cards!
Thanks for reading.
