The Chicago Cubs left Cincinnati with a split, but it felt like a missed opportunity after the Cubs blew two games in the bottom of the ninth inning. They were not able to get their fifth straight series win. They did, however, extend their streak of not losing a series to seven. They have played really good baseball for the most part over the last month.

This series against the San Francisco Giants kicks off a seven-game homestand against two teams they are fighting with for the National League Wild Card. Chicago is three games ahead of both the Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild card spot. If they can win both of these series, they would create some breathing room for that spot both in the standings and in terms of the tie breakers that could come into effect down the road.

The Cubs get to start this series off with Justin Steele and Kyle Hendricks. Steele has been their best pitcher this season. Hendricks took a no-hitter into the 8th inning the last time he faced San Francisco. Jordan Wicks, who has been really solid in his first two Major League starts, gets the ball in the third game.

Probable pitchers:

Game 1: Monday, September 4: 1:20 PM at Wrigley Field

Justin Steele (15-3 2.69 ERA) vs. Logan Webb (9-11 3.49 ERA)

Game 2: Tuesday, September 5: 6:40 PM at Wrigley Field

Kyle Hendricks (0-0) vs. Sean Manaea (5-5 4.96)

Game 3: September 6: 1:20 PM at Wrigley Field

Jordan Wicks (2-0 1.80 ERA) vs. Tristan Beck (3-3 4.12 ERA)

NL Central Standings:

Milwaukee Brewers 76-60

Chicago Cubs 73-64 3.5 GB

Cincinnati Reds 71-68 6.5 GB

Pittsburgh Pirates 63-74 13.5 GB

St. Louis Cardinals 59-78 17.5 GB