Cubs vs Cardinals Series Preview (September 24-26): TV and Game Info, Starting Pitchers, Insights

The Cubs (67-85) continue to limp into the offseason as they dropped the recent two-game series to the Twins to take sole possession of the seventh pick in next summer’s draft. Now Chicago welcomes the red-hot Cardinals for a four-game series to finish the home slate at Wrigley Field in 2021.

The Cardinals (83-69) have won 12 straight games to take a commanding 4.5 game lead for the second Wild Card spot. They have been so dominant the Cubs will have almost no impact on the race unless they are able to sweep the series, a feat that seems highly unlikely with the Northsiders’ current roster.

Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado have caught fire during the winning streak and are carrying the offense. I hate writing this as much as you hate reading it, but Jon Lester and J.A. Happ have been key additions to the rotation and the return of ace Jack Flaherty was huge.

It would be nice if Chicago could avoid seeing the Cardinals clinch at the Friendly Confines, but they might not be so lucky. The way this season has done for the Cubs, I would expect St. Louis to earn their playoff berth this weekend. Here’s to hoping they prove me wrong.

Game Time and Broadcast Info

  • Friday, September 24 at 1:20pm CT on ESPN and Marquee Sports Network
  • Friday, September 24 at 7:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
  • Saturday, September 25 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee Sports Network
  • Sunday, September 26 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee Sports Network

Starting Pitchers

Date Pitcher Age T ERA W/L FIP K/BB
9/24 Justin Steele 26 L 4.20 3-3 5.61 1.96
J.A. Happ 38 L 6.02 4-10 4.97 2.46
9/24 Zach Davies 29 R 5.49 6-11 5.37 1.53
Jack Flaherty 25 R 3.08 9-2 4.10 3.38
9/25 Adrian Sampson 31 R 2.84 1-2 5.69 2.83
Jon Lester 37 L 4.59 7-6 5.54 1.58
9/26 Keegan Thompson 26 R 3.40 3-3 5.23 1.60
Jake Woodford 26 R 3.92 3-3 4.70 2.05

What to Watch For

  • We’ll see if Thompson can go a little deeper in another start off the IL.
  • Nico Hoerner had three hits against the twins as he returns from his own injury.
  • Lester notched career win 200 in his last start, so the Cubs don’t have to worry about being on the other end of that. Despite wearing the wrong jersey, he’ll surely get a warm reception prior to his Saturday start. Maybe even during.
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