I’m not sure it’s ever been called that… I guess I’ve heard it before. But, they referred to the Cubs Brewers series that began on Monday night at Wrigley Field as the I94 Series on MLB Network; I guess it makes sense. This expressway connects Chicago and Milwaukee, our closest opponent other than the White Sox, who we play in the “Red Line” Series…
This time around, like some before, there is a little bit more meaning to it. The Brewers came into Chicago 4 games ahead of the Cubbies. Although the Cubs have been playing really, really well, the Brewers have been better… AND playing tougher competition. How will it all shake out?
The first game was forgettable. Jameson Taillon… man… just when I think he’s in the circle of trust, he just shits the bed. Before the Cubs even came to bat in the bottom of the 1st inning, they were trailing 4-0; fun times. The Brewers were throwing possibly their worst pitcher, a guy we’re familiar with, Wade Miley; can’t believe he’s still around. Yet, he neutralized us most of the evening, with Milwaukee cruising to a 6-2 win. Our turn now.
It’s all about winning series after all, remember? The Cubs still have a chance to do that. They’ve done this in 10 of the past 12 series, with only a tie with the Sox in a 2 game set, and series loss in Queens to the Mets the blemishes. The Brewers on the other hand… 9 wins in a row. Something has got to give Tuesday night; there’s nobody else I’d rather have on the mound than Justin Steele. If he is that guy, then he’ll shut them down, and if the Cubs are that team, then they’ll find a way to get a win. On the bump for the other guys… Corbin Burnes; he’s no slouch. He did get rocked last time out against Minnesota, and a few starts ago against the White Sox, which the Brewers both won by the way. However, he’s been pretty much lights out since the calendar turned July; he’s been even better on the road. This should be a good one.
Part of me thinks this is the end of the road for our Cubs. It’s been a really good run, and a better than expected season. It just feels like we don’t have enough to get over the hump; maybe I’m wrong… just like I was heading into this year… I’m perfectly fine with being wrong. Including tonight, we have 22 of our final 31 games against other teams fighting for the playoffs; are we better than Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Arizona, San Francisco, and Atlanta? Easy answer when compared to the Braves, but the rest of them? None of them are head and shoulders above us; we should be able to hold our own. Maybe I’m talking myself back into believing…
First thing’s first though… need to win this series, and that requires a win on Tuesday night. Biggest game of the year? I hate putting labels on stuff, overstating the importance of a single game, but… yeah, maybe. Let’s act accordingly and bring our A game. It’s gut check time. Go Cubs!!!
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