The Cubs escaped with an opening game 2-1 victory in Tampa Bay, just as the Brewers topped the Pirates in Pittsburgh and the Cardinals won in Cincinnati after needing an  extra inning.  A dirty dozen games to go for the Cubs, with nine on the road.  It won’t be easy, especially with only a 3.5 game lead on the Brewers and 6 on the Cardinals.  The Cardinals are always a worry, but the Brewers are my biggest concern.  The Cubs were five games behind them at the All Star break, despite a 5-3 head-to-head record.  However, the Brewers have rebounded with a 5-2 record against the second-half Cubs, but haven’t fared as well against other clubs.  The Magic Number is now 9, after an impressive 7-game winning streak, that will probably end this week given the level of competition.  To end the season with a 16-game winning streak, including 10 on the road would seal the Central Division crown.  However, realistically so would just winning or tying all four remaining battles.

The Cubs should win at least 90 games if they are playoff worthy, and have shown a strong finish considering they were 43-45 at the break.  A conservative projection of a 90-72 record would mean a record of 47-27 (.635) in the second half of the season.  At the same time, it would be disappointing if they dropped to .500 ball going into the playoffs, but considering the tough road schedule, and hopefully the opportunity to rest some players when the Reds come to town, mediocrity would get the job done.  The Cubs have owned St. Louis this year with an 11-4 record, but Milwaukee now has that 8-7 edge and a 3-game winning streak as we near the final 4-game series this weekend.  Winning that series in Milwaukee would settle the season score and give the Cubs playoff momentum.    The Cardinals and Reds wouldn’t really matter at that point!

Let’s hope this streak goes at least 11-straight.  The Cubbies won five straight in June, six consecutive in July, 5 more in August, and then went into September with 6 in a row.  The current September streak of 7 is the longest this year, but 11 would seal the deal.   In fact, with Cleveland stealing the Cubs 1935 record of 21 straight victories, it’s time for this team to put its stamp on history.  I think the Indians will definitely be waiting for a World Series rematch.