The Chicago Cubs have fallen far behind the contention curve of the rival St. Louis Cardinals, but the Cubs can land an important blow on Sunday with a win and a series victory. The Cubs are obviously way out of contention, but the Cardinals now find themselves 6.5 games back of the first place Cincinnati Reds, who have ripped off nine straight victories.
The Cubs will be sending out Paul Maholm, who has been brilliant both at home this season and in the second half. For the season, Maholm has tallied a 2.78 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 10 home starts, but in the second half he's been incredible all around, posting a 1.17 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in three starts. Against the Cardinals this season, Maholm has given up 10 earned runs in 13 innings.
The Cardinals are countering with Adam Wainwright, who accumulated his best month of the 2012 season in July. In four starts so far this month, Wainwright has given up only eight earned runs in 26.2 innings, good for a 2.70 ERA. He's also struck out 27 batters this month.
Game date/time: Sunday, July 29, 1:20 p.m. CT
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill.
TV: WGN
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more comprehensive coverage, visit Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more MLB coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.
The Chicago Cubs have fallen far behind the contention curve of the rival St. Louis Cardinals, but the Cubs can land an important blow on Sunday with a win and a series victory. The Cubs are obviously way out of contention, but the Cardinals now find themselves 6.5 games back of the first place Cincinnati Reds, who have ripped off nine straight victories.
The Cubs will be sending out Paul Maholm, who has been brilliant both at home this season and in the second half. For the season, Maholm has tallied a 2.78 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 10 home starts, but in the second half he's been incredible all around, posting a 1.17 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in three starts. Against the Cardinals this season, Maholm has given up 10 earned runs in 13 innings.
The Cardinals are countering with Adam Wainwright, who accumulated his best month of the 2012 season in July. In four starts so far this month, Wainwright has given up only eight earned runs in 26.2 innings, good for a 2.70 ERA. He's also struck out 27 batters this month.
Game date/time: Sunday, July 29, 1:20 p.m. CT
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill.
TV: WGN
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more comprehensive coverage, visit Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more MLB coverage, check out Baseball Nation as well as MLB Daily Dish.