2022 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 148

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. He struck out three.…