Cubs @ Cardinals – Series Preview (September 25-28): TV and Game Info, Pitching Matchups, Insights
The National League Central title is so close you can almost taste it. The first-place Cubs visit the third-place Cardinals with a six-game division lead, and a magic number of two.
The Cubs are coming into St.Louis with momentum on their side, fresh off of taking three games of a four-game set in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Despite the unfortunate timing of Wade Davis blowing his first save, Cubs starting pitching and bullpen really carried them in the series against the Brewers. Of course, timely hitting and just a little bit of luck was also on their side.
Just a few weeks ago, the Cubs were able to execute a sweep of the Cardinals at Wrigley. With a win Monday night, the Cubs would knock the Cardinals out of the division race, and leave them with slim odds of making the playoffs. The earliest the Cubs can clinch the division, however, is Tuesday because the Brewers are off on Monday.
It all comes down to this. It’s go big or go home, and Joe Maddon’s Cubs are in it to win it.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, September 25 at 7:15 CT on MLB Network (out-of-market) and CSN-C
- Tuesday, September 26 at 7:15 CT on ESPN (out of market) and CSN-C
- Wednesday, September 27 at 6:08 CT on CSN-C
- Thursday, September 28 at 6:15 CT on WGN
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 925 | Jon Lester | 33 | L | 4.56 | 11-8 | 4.17 | 2.91 |
| Luke Weaver | 24 | R | 2.05 | 7-1 | 2.36 | 5.91 | |
| 9/26 | Jake Arrieta | 31 | R | 3.43 | 14-9 | 4.04 | 2.94 |
| Carlos Martinez | 26 | R | 3.63 | 12-11 | 3.91 | 3.15 | |
| 9/27 | John Lackey | 38 | R | 4.67 | 11-11 | 5.40 | 2.84 |
| Michael Wacha | 26 | R | 4.00 | 12.8 | 3.63 | 2.78 | |
| 9/28 | Kyle Hendricks | 27 | R | 3.14 | 7-5 | 4.01 | 2.92 |
| Lance Lynn | 30 | R | 3.47 | 11-8 | 4.77 | 2.00 |
What To Watch For
- Jake Arrieta’s last outing was his first after coming off of the disabled list and he pitched pretty darn well. He gave up only one run over five innings and was limited to 71 pitches. If he can build upon his last start, Jake should be good to go for this series and beyond, as the Cubs approach the postseason.
- The clinch. Let’s be honest, that’s why we’re all here. The Cubs will not only clinch at some point during this series, but they’ll do it in St.Louis in front of the Cardinals and their fans. As a Cubs fan, not many feelings are sweeter.