Chicago Cubs: Three must-win series down the stretch

Second-most crucial series: September 28th-30th vs St. Louis Cardinals

Nothing like Cubs-Cardinals, right?

For the past few years, the bitter rivalry has been crucial in deciding playoff berths and division titles for both teams.

Its no different this year, as the Cubs and Cardinals, two teams deep in playoff contention will battle it out to finish the regular season.

As of Sunday night, the Cardinals sit just five games back of the Cubs in the NL-Central division standings. Additionally, the Red Birds sit just two-and-a-half games back of the second National League Wild Card spot.

Despite firing manager Mike Matheney last month, the Cardinals have been surging as of late, cutting their third-place deficit almost in half since Matheney’s firing.

While the central pennant might not be attainable for the Cards, their small Wild Card deficit can be overcome by the end of the month. If the Cardinals play above-average baseball up until the end of the season, this series could determine whether or not the Cardinals will be playing into October.

Besides the playoff implications, the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry is always an entertaining one, filled with fire and both sides.

If the Cubs slip up in the last month-and-a-half, they could find themselves in position to clinch a Central division title at home against their hated rivals. How great would it be if the Cubs clinched a playoff birth at Wrigley against the Cardinals?

Pretty great. That would be pretty great.