CUBS vs. CARDINALS: This is the 24th series of four or more games that the Cubs have played at home against the Cardinals since 1994, when the National League went to three divisions. It is only the sixth of those 26 in which the Cubs have won the first two games. They won the third as well just twice, in 1998 and 2006. They lost the fourth in 1998 but completed the sweep in 2006. With their wins Thursday and Friday, the Cubs’ record in the 24 series stands at 50-50.
HE’S HOT: Seiya Suzuki, last 19 games since July 11: .338/.410/.649 (25-for-74) with seven doubles, two triples, four home runs, 14 RBI and 11 runs scored. He also has four straight two-hit games and seven two-hit games in his last nine.
ALSO HOT: Cody Bellinger, last five games: .500/.524/850 (10-for-20) with a double, two home runs, five RBI and five runs scored.
GOOD PITCHING HERE: Drew Smyly, last eight appearances since July 11: 11⅔ innings, 0.00 ERA, 0.600 WHIP, .154 opponents BA.
