ESPN.com · Sep 19, 2018
Revived offense could provide the best fix for Cubs' bullpen
PHOENIX -- Perhaps the Chicago Cubs found the secret to playing without a true closer: Dominate the opposition at the plate while taking save opportunities out of the equation. There was no need for any ninth-inning nail-biting on Tuesday, as a team in a hitting slump for much of the second half is beginning to wake up.
"We stacked them one on top of the other," second baseman Daniel Murphy said of Cubs at-bats after their 9-1 win over Arizona. "Sustained pressure on the opposing pitcher. Traffic early in innings."
Bullpen woes could handicap both contenders heading into October. Can they take a page from past pennant winners with similar setbacks?