The Cubs and Cardinals are back at it this week, with a four-game set in St. Louis (games 1 and 3 are going to be on ESPN, if that’s your jam).
With two below-.500 fourth place teams, this particular series probably doesn’t carry too much weight in the division race, but, hey, the Cubs have beaten the Cardinals in 6 out of 8 games so far this season. I want to see that continue. Even if your focus is on securing a better draft pick in 2022, there’s plenty of games to lose against other teams the rest of the way.
I want to beat the Cardinals. Badly.
Perfect timing to get back in stock over at @obvious_shirts.
Just the facts: https://t.co/lxsIDoRJqE* pic.twitter.com/a097cI1XP7
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 19, 2021
We’re Going Streaking
The Chicago Cubs (46-47) had an opportunity yesterday to break back over .500 against the worst team in baseball, but they couldn’t get it done. They’re one game under .500, 9.0 games back in the division, and it’s (past the) time to start being realistic about their chances this season. The St. Louis Cardinals (46-47) are tied with the Cubs in the standings, but they did just take a series from the Giants coming out of the break.
Game Times and Broadcasts Info
• Monday, July 19th at 7:15 CT on MARQ, ESPN, 670 The Score
• Tuesday, July 20th at 7:15 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
• Wednesday, July 21st at 7:15 CT on MARQ, ESPN, 670 The Score
• Thursday, July 22nd at 6:15 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Alec Mills (R) vs. Jake Woodford (R)
Game 2: Trevor Williams (R) vs. Johan Oviedo (R)
Game 3: Kyle Hendricks (R) vs. Adam Wainwright (R)
Game 4: Adbert Alzolay (R) vs. Kwang Hyun Kim (L)
Chicago Cubs
• C – Willson Contreras
• 1B – Anthony Rizzo
• 2B – Nico Hoerner
• 3B – Kris Bryant/Patrick Wisdom
• SS – Javy Báez
• LF – Ian Happ
• CF – Jake Marisnick
• RF – Jason Heyward/Kris Bryant
Unavailable: David Bote, Dillon Maples, Kohl Stewart, Jake Arrieta, Brad Wieck, Jonathan Holder, Austin Romine, Matt Duffy, Jose Lobaton, P.J. Higgins
St. Louis Cardinals
• C – Yadier Molina
• 1B – Paul Goldschmidt
• 2B – Tommy Edman
• 3B – Nolan Arenado
• SS – Paul DeJong
• LF – Tyler O’Neill
• CF – Harrison Bader
• RF – Dylan Carlson
Unavailable: Brandon Waddell, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Dakota Hudson, Jordan Hicks, Miles Mikolas, Jack Flaherty, Max Moroff, Carlos Martinez
By the Numbers:
Run Differential:
Cubs: -20
Cardinals: -42
Runs Scored Per Game:
Cubs: 4.20
Cardinals: 3.92
Runs Allowed Per Game:
Cubs: 4.42
Cardinals: 4.38
Keep An Eye Out For …
Goldy is hot. Paul Goldschmidt is riding a 13-game hitting streak, during which he is slashing .412/.492/.706 with four homers, three doubles, and 11 RBI. He’s also walking more than he’s striking out in this stretch and has six multi-hit games within. He is HOT.
Dylan Carlson is cold. The Cardinals big-time prospect, Dylan Carlson, has been pretty cold lately, with just 10 hits over his last 64 plate appearances plus a 32.8% strikeout rate: .172/.250/.224 (39 wRC+).
Trevor Williams. It’s tough to say if there’s actually enough time for Trevor Williams to turn himself into a viable trade option at the deadline. My gut says he’ll stick with the Cubs all season, helping to gobble up innings from August on, but I suppose we’ll see. It’s all gotta start somewhere.
Javy Baez is on fire right now.
Javy Baez has an eight-game hitting streak, six of which have been multi-hit games, including 2 doubles, 3 HRs, 3 stolen bases, and 10 RBI.
He's slashing .438/.441/.781 (222 wRC+) during that stretch. Dude is on fire.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) July 19, 2021