The Cubs are going to need some more hair after burning the heck out of what they had in a 17-8 victory Friday against the Pirates at Wrigley Field.
‘‘I don’t want overpreparation, I don’t want more swing, I don’t want more information, I don’t want more audio, video, whatever,’’ manager Joe Maddon said heading into a 10-game homestand, the Cubs’ final and most important one of the season. ‘‘Just go play baseball. That’s all our guys need to do. Play hard.
‘‘Before you walk out there, set your hair on fire and see what happens.’’
With their playoff hopes on the line, their individual reputations at stake and their manager twisting in the wind with regard to his employment beyond 2019, the Cubs began a can’t-screw-up stretch against the Pirates, Reds and National League Central-leading Cardinals.