The Cubs took the series from the Brewers 2-1. I thought they should have swept, but they ran into the kind of young pitcher who gives them fits, not a hard thrower, but good command, changes speeds, etc. Actually kind of a mirror image of Hendricks who pitched really well also. One thing I don't get is Maddon's reliance on Grimm, especially coming into game situations where he needs to shut the door and lately hasn't done so. As I noted before, Grimm seems to have taken a vow never to throw another strike. I'm sure it is frustrating for him, but it is really frustrating to watch this guy mess up almost every time he pitches.
As to the other games, what can you say about Arrieta that hasn't been said? This guy is really in a groove right now and you have to like his chances in a single game playoff.
I managed to get out to the park on Monday night. The photo above is of Javier Baez getting ready to pinch hit late in the game. He hit a double in that at-bat, I think. The Cubs put on quite a show offensively. Soler especially seems to be coming around fresh just when he is needed. Hammel, on the other hand, was just awful. He was lucky to hang around long enough to get the win Monday night.
The Cubs have an off-day Thursday before the Pirates come in for three games over the weekend. Realistically, the Cubs need to sweep them to have a legitimate shot at catching them for home field in the wild card game. That would put them either half-a-game up or half-a-game back depending on how the Pirates do in their Thursday game. Apparently, the Cubs will skip Haren's turn in that series, going with Lester, Hammel, and Arrieta. Hammel's game is the key one in terms of sweeping.
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