24

Well, that's it for 2023:  it's officially "wait 'til next year" time. With their victory on the final Saturday of the regular season, the Marlins clinched an NL Wild Card berth and eliminated the Cubs from postseason play.

We'll do a 2023 season postmortem here sometime after the regular season ends, and we'll reset the Cubs Magic Number to 163 next spring.

Thanks for following. Go Cubs go!

5

On Friday, the Marlins beat the Pirates and the Cubs lost to Milwaukee.

With two games left for the Cubs here is the only remaining scenario that would lead to a Wild Card berth for the Cubs (spoiler alert: it's not pretty):

•Cubs win 2, Marlins lose 3, and Reds lose 1

160 games down, 2 to go. GO CUBS GO!

5

On Friday, the Marlins beat the Pirates, the Cubs are in action in Milwaukee, and Arizona is hosting the Astros. Stay tuned.

With three games left for the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Reds, and Marlins, here are the remaining scenarios that would lead to a Wild Card berth for the Cubs (spoiler alert: it's not pretty):

•Cubs win 3, Diamondbacks lose 3

•Cubs win 3, Marlins lose 2

•Cubs win 2, Marlins lose 3, and Reds lose 1

159 games down, 3 to go. GO CUBS GO!

5

The Cubs dropped the series finale in Atlanta on Thursday. The Marlins-Mets game has been suspended until Monday due to rain.

With three games left for the Cubs, Diamondbacks, and Reds, and with four games remaining for the Marlins, here are the remaining scenarios that would lead to a Wild Card berth for the Cubs (spoiler alert:  it's not pretty):

•Cubs win 3, Diamondbacks lose 3

•Cubs win 3, Marlins lose 2
•Cubs win 2, Marlins lose 3, and Reds lose 1

•Cubs win 1, Marlins lose 4, and Reds lose 2

The men in blue head to Wrigley North for a three-game weekend series that starts Friday.

159 games down, 3 to go.  GO CUBS GO!

 

5

Well, the Marlins lost one of two games of their Wednesday doubleheader against the Mets, but the Cubs lost another heartbreaker in Atlanta, giving the Marlins a one-game advantage in the chase for the third and final NL Wild Card berth.

 

Although the two teams have identical records after Wednesday's action, the Marlins hold the tiebreaker, as they won the regular season series against the North Siders.

 

With four games left for the Cubs and Marlins, and with three games left for the Diamondbacks and Reds, here are the scenarios that would earn the Cubs a Wild Card berth:

•Cubs win 4, Marlins lose 1
•Cubs win 4, Diamondbacks lose 2
•Cubs win 3, Diamondbacks lose 3

•Cubs win 3, Marlins lose 2
•Cubs win 2, Marlins lose 3 and Reds lose 1

•Cubs win 1, Marlins lose 4 and Reds lose 2

The finale of the Cubs-Braves series is underway in Atlanta. Stay tuned.

158 games down, 4 to go.

 

GO CUBS GO!

 

6

Well, that was awful. Cubs blow a six-run lead on Tuesday, Brewers win the NL Central.

This page now tracks the Cubs' magic number to secure an NL Wild Card berth.

Back at it in Atlanta on Wednesday.  157 games down, 5 to go.

GO CUBS GO!

12

The Cubbies sweep the Rockies for the last home stand of the season! This one was huge as all the teams in the wild card hunt also won today. 

 

The Brewers did lose, which keeps the North Siders in the hunt for the division.

 

The Cubs have Monday off before heading to Atlanta. 

 

Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central Division title:  12

 

Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth:  6

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

Note:  in the event of ties in the standings at the end of the regular season, MLB will no longer have "Game 163" tiebreakers. Instead, regular season head-to-head records will be used to break the tie. If the Cubs were to win their next six games, and if the Brewers were to lose their next six games, the Cubs would win the regular season series 8-5 and would win the division.

14

The Cubbies took down the Rockies again on Saturday, and the Brewers fell to the Marlins, so both the division and wild card numbers drop. 155 games down, 7 to go.

 

The Cubs elimination number for the division is 1, so chances are good that in the next few days only the wild card number will matter. Until then...

 

Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central Division title:  14

 

Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth:  7

Note:  in the event of ties in the standings at the end of the regular season, MLB will no longer have "Game 163" tiebreakers. Instead, regular season head-to-head records will be used to break the tie. If the Cubs were to win their next seven games, and if the Brewers were to lose their next seven games, the Cubs would win the regular season series 8-5 and would win the division.

17

Hey hey! The Cubs shut out the Rockies 6-0 on Friday behind a quality start from Taillon (6 IP, 7 K) and a 3-for-4, three RBI day from Suzuki. 

 

Suzuki hit a two-run homer, and Jared Young also added a two-run blast for the North Siders. The bullpen got the job done, as Smyly and Wesneski combined for three innings of two-hit ball.

The Marlins lost to the Brewers in Milwaukee on Friday night, and the Cubs-Rockies series continues Saturday at Wrigley.

154 games down, 8 to go.

Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central Division title:  17

 

Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth:  8

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

18

The Cubbies fell to the Pirates on Wednesday in what looked more like batting practice than a game, but luckily the Marlins and the Reds lost their games as well, so the Cubs remain in sole possession of the third wild card spot. The wild card magic number drops to 10 with 10 games to go. Let's go!

Cubs Magic Number for an NL Central Division title:  18

 

Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth:  10

18

Holy cow! The Cubs crushed the Pirates 14-1 on Tuesday behind a nice start from Assad (5 IP, 1 ER, 8 K) and an offensive onslaught led by Canario (2-for-4 and 5 RBI including a grand slam). Seiya Suzuki went 3-for-4 with a homer, and Bellinger and Swanson each homered as well.

The series continues Wednesday at the federal landmark.

151 games down, 11 to go.

GO CUBS GO!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth:  11

19

Monday in the NL Central:  the Cubs were idle but the Brewers lost to the Cards, dropping the Cubs Magic Number by one.

The Men in Blue kick off their final homestand of the regular season on Tuesday, hosting the Pirates for a three-game set followed by a weekend series against the Rockies.

150 games down, 12 to go.

Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  RFBleachers

20

Well, that was a rough road trip.

The Cubs head home to kick off a six-game homestand, their last of the regular season, on Tuesday.

150 games down, 12 to go.

Go Cubs go!

22

Holy mackerel! The Cubs came back to beat the Rockies 5-4 on Monday behind a quality start from Wicks (6 IP, 1 ER), 3 RBI from Gas Money, and a WILD save from Fulmer. Whew. Fasten those seatbelts, indeed!

The series continues Tuesday in Denver.

145 games down, 17 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

23

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the Diamondbacks 5-2 on Sunday behind a nice start from Kyle Hendricks (5.2, 2 ER, 4 K), a great outfield assist from Ian Happ, homers from Morel, Bellinger, and Swanson, and 3.1 scoreless innings from the bullpen.

The North Siders head to Denver Monday to kick off a three-game set before a three-game rematch in Phoenix next weekend.

144 games down, 18 to go. GO CUBS GO!

25

Holy mackerel! The Cubs completed a sweep of the Giants Wednesday with an 8-2 win behind a quality start from Wicks in his Wrigley debut (6.2 IP, 2 ER), three RBI from Suzuki, and two RBI from Bellinger.

The game was never in doubt, as the North Siders put up a three-spot in the 1st and never looked back.

The Cubs now sit 1.5 games back of the first place Brewers, who lost to the Bucs on Wednesday. The Diamondbacks come to town Thursday to kick off a four-game weekend series.

140 games down, 22 to go.  Go Cubs go!

26

Wednesday in the NL Central:  Bucs come back to beat the Brewers, Cubs up 5-0 over the Giants, bottom 4. Stay tuned!

GO CUBS GO!

27

Holy cow! The Cubs came back to beat the Giants 11-8 on Tuesday behind a clutch three-run homer from Morel, a 3-for-4, 2 RBI night from Gas Money, and a 4-for-5, 3 RBI night from Suzuki.

The men in blue go for the series sweep Wednesday afternoon at the Friendly Confines before Arizona heads to Chicago for a four-game weekend set.

139 games down, 23 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

28

Hey hey! The Cubs shut out the Giants 5-0 on Monday behind a dominant start from NL Cy Young Award candidate Justin Steele (8 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 12 K) and a two-hit, three RBI day from Seiya Suzuki.

The victory moved the Dubs within 2.5 games of the NL Central Division lead and three games ahead of the Diamondbacks for the second NL Wild Card berth.

The series continues Tuesday at the Friendly Confines.

138 games down, 24 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

30

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Reds 15-7 on Sunday behind a seven-run 8th and a 4-for-6 day from Tauchman (3 RBI), a three-hit day from Happ (4 RBI), and two-hit days from Hoerner, Bellinger (3 RBI), Swanson (2 RBI), Suzuki, & Madrigal (2 RBI).

That wrapped up the season series with Cincinnati. The North Siders kick off a seven-game homestand on Monday versus the Giants and Diamondbacks.

137 games down, 25 to go. Go Cubs go!

32

Holy mackerel! The Cubs took game one of Friday's doubleheader against the Reds 6-2 behind a nice start from Wicks (5 IP, 1 ER, 3 K) and HRs from Bellinger, Happ, & Suzuki.

135 games down, 27 to go. Back at it Saturday. Go Cubs go!

33

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the Brewers 3-2 on Wednesday to take the series two games to one. Kyle Hendricks tossed a quality start (6 IP, 0 ER, 6 K) and Happ, Bellinger, and Swanson each drove in a run.

The North Siders take a well-deserved day off on Thursday before a quick four-game weekend road trip to Cincinnati. Monday, the men in blue return to the Friendly Confines for a seven-game homestand against two teams in the NL Wild Card hunt, the Giants and Diamondbacks.

133 games down, 29 to go. GO CUBS GO!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

35

Holy cow! The Cubs shut out Milwaukee 1-0 on Tuesday night behind another quality start from Justin Steele (6 IP, 0 ER, 8 K) and Adbert Alzolay's 22nd save.

The North Siders scored their only run in the 1st and held on the rest of the way behind another dominant performance from Steele and three scoreless relief innings from the bullpen (1 H, 0 BB, 3 K).

Steele now leads MLB with 15 wins and the NL with 18 quality starts. His 2.69 ERA is 2nd best among NL starters. Mark Leiter's 25 holds rank 2nd in the NL and Adbert Alzolay has had the most saves in MLB since becoming the Cubs' full-time closer.

The series wraps up tomorrow afternoon at the Friendly Confines.

132 games down, 30 to go. GO CUBS GO!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

37

Holy mackerel! The Cubs plastered the Pirates 10-1 on Sunday behind a dominant start from Javy Assad (7 IP, 1 ER, 7 K), a three-hit, five RBI day from Cody "Extend Me Now" Bellinger, three RBI from Jeimer Candelario, and a 2-for-3 day from surging Seiya Suzuki.

 

Keegan Thompson looked sharp in his return from an extended IL stint, allowing just one hit while striking out five over two innings of relief work in his first appearance since May.

With the win, the North Siders kept pace with the red-hot Brewers, who come to Chicago on Monday to kick off a three-game set at the federal landmark.

130 games down, 32 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

38

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the Pirates 10-6 on Saturday behind Jordan Wicks' MLB debut and 1st win (5 IP, 1 ER, 9 K), 3 RBI apiece from Happ and Suzuki, and Alzolay's 21st save of the season.

The North Siders took an 8-1 lead after a five-run fifth, but reliever Hayden Wesneski's rough outing made it an 8-6 game before Suzuki's 9th inning double scored two insurance runs.

The series wraps up on Sunday before the Cubs head home to host Milwaukee for a three-game series that starts Monday.

127 games down, 35 to go. Go Cubs go!

39

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the Bucs 5-4 in 10 innings on Thursday night behind another quality start from Justin Steele (6 IP, 2 ER, 6 K), a game-winning RBI single from Happ, and four no-hit innings from the bullpen.

The North Siders took a 3-0 lead early, but Pittsburgh came back to tie it. Happ's single drove in two in the top of the 10th and Adbert Alzolay picked up his 20th save of the season to seal the victory.

The series continues Friday at PNC Park.

127 games down, 35 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

40

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Tigers 6-4 on Wednesday behind two RBI from Cody Bellinger and 3.1 scoreless innings from the bullpen, including Adbert Alzolay's 19th save of the season.

The Cubs took an early 4-0 lead before starter Jameson Taillon ran into trouble in the 5th, giving up a grand slam to Kerry Carpenter. An RBI single from Gomes in the 8th and an RBI sacrifice fly by Hoerner in the 9th gave the North Siders the lead and an insurance run.

The Cubs kick off a four-game series in Pittsburgh on Thursday before heading back to the Friendly Confines to host the first place Brewers for a three-game set that starts on Monday. 

126 games down, 36 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

44

Brewers lost Thursday, Cubs lose a stinker on Friday. Brewers play Friday night - stay tuned.

123 games down, 39 to go.  Go Cubs go!

45

Holy mackerel! The Cubs came back to beat the White Sox 4-3 Wednesday on Chris Morel's walkoff three-run homer. Javier Assad tossed a quality start (6 IP, 2 ER, 4 K) and Michael Fulmer struck out three consecutive South Siders to get out of the bases-loaded jam he inherited.

Until the eighth, the North Siders' offense had been held scoreless. Nick Madrigal put the Cubs on the board with a pinch-hit solo shot, but they were down 3-1 to start the bottom of the 9th. Bellinger led off the inning with a double, Swanson walked, and Morel drove a 1-2 pitch to the right field bleachers to ignite the Friendly Confines and keep the Cubs 2.5 games back of the Brewers and in an NL Wild Card slot.

After a torrid July (8 HR, 24 RBI, 1.134 OPS), Belli has continued to mash, with 3 homers, 13 RBI, and a 1.110 OPS in August. He's hitting over .400 since July 1.

After an off day Thursday, the Cubs host the Royals for a weekend set before heading to Detroit on Monday to kick off a six-game road trip.

120 games down, 42 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

49

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the Jays 6-2 on Friday night behind a dominant start from Javier Assad (7 IP, 1 ER) and homers from Hoerner and Bellinger.

Suzuki drove in two, Hoerner swiped his 29th base of the season, Tauchman had a two-out RBI single, and Bellinger raised his season average to .329 (.938 OPS).

Alzolay continued his recent dominant streak, throwing a scoreless 9th and lowering his season ERA to 2.44.

The series continues Saturday in Toronto.

116 games down, 46 to go.  Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

50

Holy cow! The Cubs came back to beat the Mets 3-2 on Tuesday behind a dominant start from Jameson Taillon (7 IP, 2 ER, 7 K) and a game-winning home run from Mike Tauchman. Cody Bellinger also homered for the men in blue.

Merryweather and Alzolay pitched two scoreless innings to seal the victory for the North Siders, who are now just 1.5 games behind the first place Brewers in the NL Central.

The series wraps up in New York on Wednesday. The Cubs have Thursday off before their three-game weekend series in Toronto.

114 games down, 48 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

52

Holy cow! The Cubs took the weekend series from the Braves with a 6-4 win on Sunday at the federal landmark. Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson each knocked in two, and Justin Steele picked up his 13th win of the season.

The North Siders' bullpen combined to throw 3.2 innings of two-hit, walk-free, scoreless ball, and Alzolay lowered his season ERA to 2.54 while picking up his 14th save.

Today's victory was the Cubs' 13th in their last 16 games and notched their sixth straight series win. The men in blue kick off a six-game roadtrip on Monday against the Mets.

112 games down, 50 to go. GO CUBS GO!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

56

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the Reds 5-3 on Thursday night to take the series three games to one. Taillon's nice start (5 IP, 2 ER, 5 K) set the table for the North Siders, who held on to knock Cincy out of first place and climb to within 2.5 games of the Brewers.

The Cubs put together a string of nice at-bats in the 3rd, scoring runs on Bellinger's RBI single and RBI walks to Morel and Candelario. Adbert Alzolay retired the final four Reds batters to seal the victory and pick up another save.

The North Siders have now won 13 of their last 16 and continue to be the hottest team in the league. The Braves visit the Friendly Confines this weekend for a three-game set that kicks off on Friday.

109 games down, 53 to go.  GO CUBS GO!

Image Credit:  MLB

57

Hey hey! The red-hot Cubs crushed the Reds 16-6 on Wednesday behind a 4-for-4 night from Candelario, two homers from Happ, homers from Morel, Swanson, and Suzuki, and four Cincinnati errors.

Candelario is now 8-for-9 (.889 BA) in his return to the North Side. Fulmer and Merryweather each had their fourth consecutive scoreless appearance, and newcomer Jose Cuas threw a scoreless ninth to seal the victory.

The men in blue now sit just three games back of the Reds in the NL Central. The series wraps up Thursday night at Wrigley before Atlanta comes to town for a three-game weekend set.

108 games down, 54 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

59

Holy cow! The Cubs clobbered the Reds 20-9 on Tuesday night behind two homers and five RBI from Swanson, a 4-for-5 night from newest Cub Jeimer Candelario (welcome back!), four RBI from Tauchman, and three-hit nights from Hoerner and Bellinger.

The North Siders struck early and never looked back, putting up a five-spot in the 1st. All told, the Cubs tied a franchise record with SEVEN home runs (Swanson's two plus one apiece from Wisdom, Bellinger, Tauchman, Amaya, and Hoerner).

Hayden Wesneski had another nice outing, putting up two scoreless innings after Steele struggled a bit in his start (6 IP, 4 ER, 6 K).

The series continues Wednesday at Wrigley.

107 games down, 55 to go.  Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

64

HOLY COW! The Cubs won their seventh straight game on Friday, beating the Cardinals 3-2 in St. Louis. Mike Tauchman saved the game with a home run-robbing catch over the center field wall to end the game after Hoerner and Swanson turned a stellar double play to get Alzolay out of a ninth inning jam.

Hayden Wesneski served as an opener for Drew Smyly, who struck out six in 4.1 innings. Merryweather set the stage for Alzolay's 12th save.  The four Cubs pitchers combined to rack up 12 strikeouts.

The North Siders squandered scoring chances in the 8th and 9th, but their 9th inning defense sealed the victory.

The Cubs are now 10-4 since the All-Star break and have won 26 of their last 41.

 

The series continues Saturday at Busch.

 

103 games down, 59 to go.  GO CUBS GO!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

66

Holy cow! The Cubs won their sixth straight on Thursday, beating the Cards 10-3 behind another quality start from Steele (6 IP, 1 ER, 4 K), three RBI from Gas Money, and three hits and two RBI apiece from Tauchman and Morel.

After being ten games below .500 on June 8, the North Siders have gone 25-15 to climb back to .500. They're the hottest team in the league, having won six straight and won eight of their last nine.

The series continues Friday in St. Louis.

102 games down, 60 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image credit:  Chicago Cubs

87

Holy cow! The Cubs beat the Guardians 10-1 on Friday behind a quality start from Steele (6.1 IP, 0 ER, 6 K), three RBI from Morel, three hits from Nico, and two hits apiece from Bellinger, Madrigal, and Young.

Young's delayed arrival in Chicago has been a welcome one, as he's off to a hot start with a .444 average and a 1.666 OPS through his first 9 at-bats. Hard to believe that the Cubs were choosing to play Mancini instead of him, considering what a great year he's had in Iowa.

 

The game was a nice departure from the North Siders' struggles against the Phillies earlier this week, and kicked off a weekend set against Cleveland.

The series continues Saturday at the Friendly Confines.

80 games down, 82 to go. Go Cubs go!

92

Hey hey! Cubs win! Cubs sweep!

 

The North Siders came back to beat the Bucs 8-3 on Wednesday behind a quality start from Hendricks (6.1 IP, 1 ER, 2 K), 2-for-5 days from Nico (3 RBI) and Happ, and a 2-for-3 day from Seiya.

 

Merryweather and Fulmer each tossed a scoreless inning of relief. Fulmer has not allowed an earned run in his last 11 appearances, and his ERA has plummeted from 7.84 on May 27 to 5.12 after today.

 

74 games down, 88 to go. Off to London, baby! Go Cubs go!

93

Holy cow! The surging Cubs beat the Pirates 4-0 in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, their 9th win in their last 11 games. Marcus Stroman had a dominant start (7 IP, 0 ER, 5 K) and continues to lead the league in quality starts. Leiter & Alzolay combined for two perfect innings in relief.

Barnhart and Tauchman (.813 OPS) both homered, and Happ had a two-hit night. 

The series against the Bucs wraps up on Wednesday before the North Siders travel to London to face the Cardinals on Saturday and Sunday.

73 games down, 89 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

97

Holy cow! The Cubs won their fourth in a row on Friday, beating the Orioles 10-3 at Wrigley behind a nice start from Hendricks (5 IP, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K) and a six-run offensive outburst in the sixth inning.

Amaya, Swanson, and Morel each hit solo homers in the 3rd to give the Cubs the lead, and the big inning put the game away for the North Siders.

Mancini reached base in all 4 plate appearances, Morel raised his season OPS to 1.063, and Happ & Hoerner each drove in two.

Fulmer had another nice outing (1 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K) and hasn't given up an earned run in eight appearances since May 27. and newcomer Anthony Kay has looked sharp in his first three appearances as a Cub (3 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K).

The series continues on Saturday in Chicago. 69 games down, 93 to go.

Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

99

Hey hey! Cubs win! Cubs SWEEP! The North Siders came from behind to beat the Bucs 7-2 on Thursday behind another quality start from Stroman (6 IP, 2 ER, 5 K), a 3-for-3 night from Morel, a 3-for-5 night from Happ, and a 5-run 5th inning. 

 

The Pirates scored two in the 3rd to take the early lead, but the Cubs plated one in the 3rd and put up a five-spot in the 5th to take the lead for good. Morel's night raised his OPS to 1.016 for the season, and Cody Bellinger returned from an IL stint, going 1-for-3 with a run scored, walk, and RBI.

 

The bullpen threw three scoreless innings (0 BB, 2 H, 5 K) to seal the deal for the men in blue.

 

The Orioles come to town on Friday to kick off a three-game weekend series before the Cubs head to Pittsburgh for another three-game set against the first place Buccos.

 

68 games down, 94 to go. Go Cubs go!

 

 Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

103

Hey hey! The Cubs beat the first place Bucs 11-3 at Wrigley on Tuesday behind a quality start from Taillon (6 IP, 3 ER, 4 K), 4 RBI from Happ, a 3-run HR from Morel, a clutch pinch-hit 2-RBI single from Gomes, some good luck, and lots of small ball.

 

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Cubs put up three in the bottom of the inning to take the lead for good.  The North Siders put up four in the 7th and three in the 8th to seal the deal.

 

The series continues tomorrow at the Friendly Confines.

66 games down, 96 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

 

105

Holy cow! The Cubs shut out the Giants 4-0 on Saturday behind a dominant start from Kyle Hendricks (8 IP, 1 H, 3 K) and HRs from Mervis and Morel.

Hendricks took a no-hitter into the 8th. With two outs in the 8th, Haniger doubled off the wall for San Francisco's only hit of the game. Hendricks retired the next batter and Merryweather tossed a perfect ninth inning to seal the victory.

Morel had a great night at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBI and raising his OPS to .970 for the season.

The series wraps up tomorrow in the city by the bay. 64 games down, 98 to go.

Go Cubs go!

115

Holy cow! The Cubs shut out the best team in baseball on Monday, downing the Rays 1-0 behind a complete game from Marcus Stroman (9 IP, 1 BB, 1 H, 8 K).

One day after former Cub and Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins declared the complete game to be dead, Stroman notched his first since 2017 by dominating the league's most productive offense.

A Tauchman sacrifice fly drove in Suzuki for the game's only run.

The series continues Tuesday at Wrigley. 53 games down, 109 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

120

Hey hey! The Cubs returned to Wrigley to down the Mets 7-2 on Tuesday behind a nice start from Smyly (5 IP, 2 ER, 5 K) and HRs from Suzuki, Mervis, and Morel.

Morel is on fire, now sporting a 1.384 OPS with homers in five consecutive games (and 9 of his 12 games this season).

Fulmer notched his first scoreless inning since May 13 to finish the game, and Leiter continued his dominance, striking out two in 1 1/3 innings of work and lowering his season ERA to 1.86.

The series continues Wednesday at the Friendly Confines.

Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

145

Holy cow! The Cubs shut out the Dodgers 13-0 at Wrigley on Friday behind a dominant start from Smyly (7.2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 10 K) and 4 RBI from Hoerner.

 

Smyly had a perfect game through 7 innings until Peralta's broken bat infield dribbler led to a collision between Smyly and Gomes and the only hit of the game. Hoerner went 4-for-5 (.365 BA), Mancini went 3-for-5 (3 RBI), and Bellinger, Suzuki, and Wisdom each had two hits. 

 

Bellinger, Mancini, Wisdom, and Hoerner each homered for the North Siders.

 

The series continues on Saturday at the Friendly Confines.

19 games down, 143 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

146

Holy cow! The Cubs shut out the Dodgers 13-0 at Wrigley on Friday behind a dominant start from Smyly (7.2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 10 K) and 4 RBI from Hoerner.

 

Smyly had a perfect game through 7 innings until Peralta's broken bat infield dribbler led to a collision between Smyly and Gomes and the only hit of the game. Hoerner went 4-for-5 (.365 BA), Mancini went 3-for-5 (3 RBI), and Bellinger, Suzuki, and Wisdom each had two hits. 

 

Bellinger, Mancini, Wisdom, and Hoerner each homered for the North Siders.

 

The series continues on Saturday at the Friendly Confines.

19 games down, 143 to go. Go Cubs go!

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs

157

Saturday in the NL Central:  Cubs win, Brewers lose, CMN drops twice!

7 games down, 155 to go. Go Cubs go!

161

An Opening Day win and a Saturday loss vs. the Brewers have the first place Cubs at 1-1 to start the 2023 campaign.

The rubber game of the series is Sunday.

2 down, 160 to go. Go Cubs go!

163

Opening Day is right around the corner!

A fireballing Hayden Wesneski, along with soon-to-be-healthy World Series Champion Kyle Hendricks and Seiya Suzuki, will join returning Cubs Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Marcus Stroman, Patrick Wisdom, Christopher Morel and newcomers Dansby Swanson, Jameson Taillon, and Cody Bellinger, among others.

This revamped Cubs lineup is a big departure from the 2022 squad, which really struggled in the first half before righting the ship with a .557 winning percentage after the All-Star break. Although many of those second half games were against struggling teams, the struggling Cubs seemed to turn things around quite a bit.

Here's hoping that the additions to the club make for an exciting 2023 season.

The Cubs start the season on Thursday as they host the Brewers at 1:20 Central Time. Stro will take the mound for the North Siders.

162 games to go - GO CUBS GO!