The Cubbies got a much needed 4-game sweep against the last place Cincinnati Reds to get to 15 wins in August. Their 15-8 record so far this month is keeping their heads barely above water, considering the Cardinals just won their 19th today against only 5 losses. A strong August record tends to propel a team into the homestretch of the playoff drive, and the Red Birds are the hottest team in baseball. The Brewers also continue to be a threat for the Central Division Championship and Wild Card race despite only their 10th August victory. The Reds are not the worst team in the National League this year, but four straight losses to the Cubs does not help their confidence. I would have to say “Thank You” for being there on the schedule when the Cubs needed it most.

Despite their 76 wins this season, the most in the National League, the team has struggled. Too many games have been decided by comeback victories and late-inning heroics to make me comfortable. A key moment in the Reds sweep was another walk-off homer by rookie David Bote. It was a remarkable encore to his decisive grand slam a few weeks ago, serving as a replacement for injured Kris Bryant. Also, the addition of Daniel Murphy into the lineup was an essential factor in earning these key victories. He has seven hits in four games, including 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. Cole Hamels has already won 4 games with a .79 ERA and a complete game since his recent acquisition from the Rangers. These were three guys that were not regularly in the lineup until after the All Star break. Yu Darvish is done for the season, Brandon Morrow continues on the DL, and Addison Russell just joined him. It’s been a struggle, with masterful replacement moves to the rescue.

The Mets are the next challenge on the home schedule, with roads trips to Philadelphia, Washington, and Washington to follow. It will be interesting to see how Joe Maddon continues to juggle the lineup. By the time I get to Chicago in late September to watch them play at Guaranteed Park against the White Sox, another sweep against a weak opponent may be just what the doctor ordered. However, the White Sox just won three straight against the Tigers and have brought up their top pitching prospect, Michael Kopech, to finish the season. He earned his first win today against Detroit, and I hope to see him against the Cubs in the Windy City.