Chicago Cubs: Three must-win series down the stretch
![CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 12: Cole Hamels #35 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Wrigley Field on August 12, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 12: Cole Hamels #35 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Wrigley Field on August 12, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9ee45058bdc7d73afdd01b3ae1ce59e4ef247f573f3e7182bea0ae286df71a9d.jpg)
Most crucial series: September 10th-12th vs Milwaukee Brewers
As of Sunday night, the Cubs have a slim lead over the second-place Brewers in the National League Central. However, both teams are tied in the win column at 67.
The Brewers hold the top Wild Card spot with the league’s second-best record, and figure to be playing in October whether it be in the Wild Card Game or the Division Series as the Central pennant winner.
Down to your last out.
— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2018
Flex on ‘em, @EricThames! #walkoff pic.twitter.com/yoVPvZjVMQ
Up until the end of June, the Brewers were in possession of first place for most of the season. While the Cubs have sat atop the standings ever since the Brewers have kept close behind the Cubs for the last two months.
When the two teams meet for a three-game mid-week set in Wrigley next month, it’ll certainly have huge playoff implications for both teams. If the current standings hold, the Cubs can pull away with a sweep. If the Brewers sweep, well, they’ll have sole possession of first place in the National League Central.
The mid-September tilt will be the final time that the two teams meet, and as mentioned above, it could be the final nail in the coffin for either team.
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The Cubs have a playoff spot now and look like a safe bet to be playing in October as the holder of the National League’s best record.
However, as I’ve mentioned many times before, anything can happen in the matter of a month. No matter what happens, the Cubs must win these three series.
Game on.