Cubs Go For Sweep, Get A Break

The Cubs look to sweep the Cardinals tonight with Jason Marquis toeing the mound vs. another of the Redbirds converted relievers, Braden Looper.

The Reds did us another favor earlier today, knocking off the Brewers. That means the Cubs could pull to within one game of Milwaukee with a win tonight.

Looking ahead, the Cubs are in Cincy for a 3 game series this weekend, then return home for a four game series beginning Monday vs the Phillies.

It looks like the Cubs caught a big break for that Phillies series, as all-star second baseman Chase Utley will not be playing. He broke a bone in his hand after being hit by a pitch Thursday and is expected to be placed on the disabled list on Friday. Utley could miss a month.

The Phillies offense is flying high, they are in the National League top three for team average, runs, doubles, triples, home runs, rbi, and walks. The good news is Philadelphia is dead last in team era, 4.85, compared to the Cubs 3.81. Only two teams have allowed more runs than the Phillies: Florida and Cincy. We have three games vs. the Marlins the last week of the season and 9 games left vs. Cincy including the three this weekend and the final three games of the season. The schedule is in our favor, we just need to keep playing well.