The Cubs have continued to play at a high level, distancing themselves from the rest of the NL Central, as was shown in the past three victories over the Kansas City Royals.
Stellar pitching has been the key for Chicago, who has a pitching staff with a combined 1.95 ERA this season.
Prior to opening day, there were several question marks as to how former big leaguer David Ross, who had no previous managerial experience. He has already proved himself in this shortened season, assembling an impressive 10-2 record, with a 4.5 game lead in the division.
Over the weekend, the Cubs overpowered Pittsburgh, sweeping the Pirates, who are 2-10, on the road. The final two games were decided by one run, with scores of 4-3, and 2-1. In game two, Cubs starter Tyler Chatwood struck out 11, allowing just three hits. Late in the game, reliever Kyle Ryan allowed three earned runs in the final 1/3 of the ninth, making it interesting. The Cubs held on for the victory, which gave the team momentum heading into Sunday's series finale. Once again, pitching was the game changer for the Cubs, as starter Jon Lester allowed the lone Pirates' run of the game. Five hurlers took the mound for Chicago, each throwing less than two innings, and giving up a combined two hits.
What the Cubs have showed over these first 12 games in one big reason why I believe a 60 game season was worth it. Every game counts, and Cubs fans tune into each game now wondering if their team can keep up the quick pace and continue to control the division. With the depth on the bench, Ross has an arsenal of offensive weapons at his disposal, from veteran big leaguers like Steven Souza to up-and-coming players such as Nico Hoerner. Both on the mound and at the plate, the Cubs have a talented team, similar to that of the 2016 World Series squad.
With that said, Covid-19 has still caused problems. It will likely postpone the Cubs' key series against St. Louis, scheduled for this weekend. The Cardinals remain in quarantine, after at least 13 members of the team tested positive a few days ago. For the teams that have been able to play, though, it has been exciting baseball, and the MLB is charting a new territory with this shortened schedule. It has added the element that makes college baseball so exciting. There are truly no days off. The division title races will come down to a matter of games, and an expanded playoff with add some excitement as well. With 16 teams in the playoffs, who knows what can happen?
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