The Cubs (66-48) dropped a series to the Reds at Wrigley Field as they continue to tread water in the second half with a 9-9 record since the break. Inconsistent offense and a suddenly leaky bullpen have been the main culprits in the recent frustrating stretch for the North Siders. Craig Counsell now takes his squad back out on the road for a series against the rival Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
St. Louis (58-58) was right in the NL Central race in early June, reaching as high as nine games over the .500 mark. Then the bottom fell out with an 8-17 record in July, which precipitated a minor selloff at the trade deadline as the Redbirds dropped out of the playoff race.