18

Hey hey! The Cubs downed the Bucs 8-2 behind a quality start and RBI double from Jon Lester, two hits and two RBI from Rizzo, and a two-run homer from Albert Almora. That's Cub.

Lester struck out five and allowed only one earned run in six IP. Happ had three hits and J-Hey had a two hit night for the North Siders.

The first place Cubs kick off a nine-game homestand Friday, starting with a three-game set against the Brewers, who are five games back and tied with the Cards for second place in the NL Central.

Go Cubs go!

The Cubs have 22 regular season games left, including seven each versus the Cards and Brewers. While some folks look only at the Cubs' win column, remember that if the Cubs win tons of games in September, then the Brewers and/or Cardinals would also be losing -- at least a few of those games -- to the Cubs.

The Cubs Magic Number to win the NL Central equals:

163 - (Cubs wins + losses of NL Central rival with fewest losses).

As of now, that's 163 - (77 + 68), or 163 - 145. 163 - 145 = 18.

Thus, the Cubs Magic Number is 18. Follow CMN on Twitter!