The Chicago Cubs dropped two out of three games against the St. Louis Cardinals, continuing a streak of falling short in recent series. The turning point came in the middle game, where the Cubs unleashed a potent offense to secure a decisive 9-1 victory. Despite the mixed results, the Cubs (67-50) remain firmly in the hunt for a National League wild card spot, though their chances of capturing the NL Central title have diminished.

After concluding their rivalry games with St. Louis, the Cubs are set to begin a challenging series against the Toronto Blue Jays starting Tuesday. With Toronto leading the American League East and boasting one of baseball’s strongest home records, this matchup presents another significant test for Chicago as the postseason approaches.

Encouraging Offensive Breakthrough Amid Inconsistent Production

Chicago‘s offense has been erratic during the second half of the season, but Saturday’s outburst offered a glimpse of their potential going forward. The Cubs dominated the Cardinals’ starter Andre Pallante early, amassing a 7-0 lead by the third inning and finishing the game with 13 hits. Michael Busch ignited the attack with a three-run homer in the second inning, while catcher Carson Kelly contributed three hits.

This offensive performance aligned with the stronger production Cubs fans had grown accustomed to earlier in the year. Maintaining such high-level output consistently is difficult over a 162-game schedule, but with Milwaukee pulling away in the division, it is imperative that Chicago replicates these offensive bursts regularly.

Colin Rea Emerges as Key Starting Pitcher for Chicago

Signed to a relatively modest contract last offseason, Colin Rea has proven to be a valuable addition to the Cubs’ rotation. On Saturday, he delivered six innings of strong pitching, allowing only one run while striking out six and limiting major scoring chances. His ERA has now fallen to 4.09.

Originally slated for bullpen duties, Rea took on a starting role after a season-ending injury to Justin Steele forced the Cubs to adjust. Currently, Rea is on track to surpass his career-high win total and has become a reliable presence in Chicago’s staff, validating the judgment of president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and his team.

Matt Shaw’s Recent Offensive Surge Provides Vital Spark

Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ 2023 first-round pick, has been an important figure in the rebuilding process and future outlook as he transitions from college shortstop to major league third baseman. After limited playing time, Shaw capitalized on a recent start and subsequent lineup spot, delivering a strong offensive showing over three games.

In the Saturday victory, Shaw went 2-for-3, including a home run, two RBIs, a walk, and scored twice. On Sunday, he carried Chicago’s offense with a two-run homer accounting for all their runs in a narrow 3-2 loss. Across his last seven games, his slash line rose to .263/.300/.842, highlighted by three home runs. Though Shaw shouldn’t be Chicago’s sole power source, his unexpected production from the bottom of the lineup could be crucial in the season’s final stretch and potentially in postseason play.

Ongoing Offensive Struggles in Series Aside From Breakout Game

While Saturday’s offensive output was impressive, the Cubs struggled to generate runs in the other two games. Friday’s opener saw Chicago shut out 5-0, managing only seven hits against Michael McGreevey and otherwise struggling at the plate. Key hitters, including Busch, went hitless in that game, contributing to the offensive stagnation.

Sunday’s offense was likewise limited despite scoring twice. The team collected eight hits but relied solely on Shaw’s two-run homer from the ninth batting position. Although there are positive signs that Shaw’s bat is heating up, relying on the bottom of the order for primary offense raises concerns about overall lineup consistency.

The scheduled day off before the Blue Jays series should help the Cubs regroup and hopefully sharpen their offensive approach.

St. Louis Capitalizes with Minimal Hits to Edge Cubs

Sunday’s loss was particularly puzzling given the Cardinals won 3-2 despite registering only four hits. One of those hits was a third-inning home run by Pedro Pages, one of St. Louis’ weaker hitters by batting average, which gave them an early 2-0 lead.

The Cardinals regained the lead in the seventh inning off Cubs reliever Imanaga, employing classic National League tactics. After recording two quick outs, Imanaga allowed a single to Jordan Walker, who subsequently stole second before scoring on a Nolan Gorman single to right field. Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker was unable to make a play in time.

The Cardinals managed this victory without drawing a walk and converting just one of two runners in scoring position opportunities, stranding only one runner overall. This underlines the challenges facing Chicago’s pitching and defense in tight games.

It would not be surprising if Imanaga urged his teammates to strengthen their focus after such a performance:

“Imanaga would be well within his rights to get the hitters together and go, ‘Guys, c’mon. Let’s get it together.’”

The NL Central Race Tightens as Brewers Extend Lead

Though the Cubs have maintained a solid overall win total, their recent form—winning only five of their last 10—has allowed the Milwaukee Brewers to open a significant gap in the division race. Milwaukee currently has a 73-44 record and boasts the best record in the National League, having won nine of their last 10 games, including a sweep of the New York Mets.

With a six-game lead on Chicago, the Brewers pose a steep challenge for the Cubs. However, the presence of three wild card spots in the postseason means the Cubs remain in a favorable position, holding a 4.5-game lead for the top wild card berth, which includes important home-field advantage.

A pivotal moment looms in mid-August as the Cubs host the Brewers for a five-game series starting August 18, following a weather-related rescheduling. Chicago’s prospects for closing the division gap hinge significantly on this upcoming stretch, where winning consistently at home will be crucial.

Looking Ahead: Cubs Face Key Road Challenges Against Blue Jays

With the Cardinals series behind them, the Cubs now turn their attention to the postseason push as they travel to face the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto is the leading team in the American League East and ranks among the top home teams across baseball, making the upcoming matchup a demanding contest.

Chicago’s ability to maintain offensive output and solid pitching will be tested on this road trip. How well Matt Shaw’s surge and Colin Rea’s steady presence hold up against this elite opponent will shape the Cubs’ standing heading into the final weeks of the regular season.