The Cardinals' recent game against the Cubs was a rollercoaster of emotions, with a mix of highs and lows that left fans with a lot to unpack. The game began with a rough start for the Cardinals, as they struggled to find their footing in the first inning. However, things took a turn for the better in the fourth inning when Edward Cabrera returned from the IL and delivered a strong performance. Cabrera's outing was a cause for concern, as he lacked his usual swing-and-miss stuff and struggled with control, issuing three walks. Despite this, the Cardinals managed to score six runs in the fourth inning, which was a welcome sight for the team.
One of the most concerning aspects of Cabrera's performance was his lack of control. In his previous two rehab starts, he had only allowed one walk, so the sudden increase in walks was a surprise. This raised questions about his readiness to return to the starting rotation and whether he was fully recovered from his injury. The Cardinals will need to carefully monitor Cabrera's performance in his next start to ensure that he is not putting the team at risk.
The Cubs, on the other hand, had their own issues. Dansby Swanson left the game in the third inning with left side discomfort, which raised concerns about his health. Oblique injuries are notoriously tricky to heal, and the fact that Swanson had to leave the game so early is a cause for concern. The Cubs will need to monitor Swanson's condition closely and hope that he can return to the lineup soon.
Despite the setbacks, the Cardinals managed to pull off a series win against the Cubs. Pete Crow-Armstrong was a bright spot for the Cubs, hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning that briefly gave his team the lead. Miguel Amaya also had a strong performance, hitting a home run in the ninth inning that sealed the victory for the Cardinals.
Overall, the Cardinals' win against the Cubs was a relief for the team and their fans. However, the game also highlighted the challenges that the team faces, particularly with Cabrera's control issues and Swanson's injury. The Cardinals will need to carefully manage these issues if they hope to make a run at the playoffs. As for the Cubs, they will need to find a way to stay competitive without Swanson and hope that their young players can step up and fill the void.
In my opinion, the Cardinals' win against the Cubs was a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go. The team will need to continue to work hard and stay focused if they hope to make a run at the playoffs. The Cubs, meanwhile, will need to find a way to stay competitive without Swanson and hope that their young players can step up and fill the void. Only time will tell if either team can make a run at the playoffs, but one thing is certain: the competition in the NL Central is fierce, and both teams will need to bring their A-game if they hope to come out on top.
