As the Cubs played better (repeat, better, not necessarily “well”), there has been a general theme. The pitching has been better after the All-Star break. How much better? As a staff, the team has a 3.65 ERA since the All-Star game. They had a 4.58 before it. Probably not surprising that difference isn’t coming from the bullpen (4.30 first half/4.31 second half), given the trades of four of the top relievers at the end of July. That difference comes from the rotation. There the difference is striking (4.83/3.16).
Tuesday night’s win followed that theme. Adrian Sampson, who will get my top star of the night, threw six innings and allowed eight hits, one walk and one run.