Chicago Cubs: Jose Quintana takes the ball in rubber match against Cardinals

The newest member of the Chicago Cubs’ rotation faces a tall task in his first home start: take down the rival St. Louis Cardinals in the rubber match.

After a shocking late rally flipped the script on Saturday afternoon, the Chicago Cubs go for a third-straight series win in the finale against the St. Louis Cardinals. To get the job done, Jose Quintana will have to step up in his first start at Wrigley Field with his new team.

To say his debut went well would be a dramatic understatement. The left-hander tossed seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball, striking out a dozen and walking none in a win over the Baltimore Orioles.

Chicago (50-46) hopes he can capitalize on his past success at Wrigley Field. Quintana owns a career 2.51 ERA in a pair of starts in the Friendly Confines. He’ll need help from the Cubs’ offense to get the job done, as they go up against right-hander Michael Wacha.

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The tall St. Louis right-hander has struggled a great deal away from Busch Stadium this season. At home, he owns a 2.93 ERA in 11 starts. That success contrasts in a big way with his 5.13 ERA on the road. Still, he’s coming off his best start of the year. Wacha has not allowed more than two earned in his last five starts.

Offense must put the pressure on

For most of the second half, the Cubs’ offense has taken the fight to opposing pitching. For much of this series, though, that has not been the case. It took until the bottom of the eighth Saturday for the club to score its first run. Putting the pressure on early will be a key to success for Chicago in the finale.

Six Cubs hitters own a batting average of .300 or better in the second half. Reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant is hitting his stride, batting .370 since the break. He drove in the game-tying run Saturday, also racing around from first to score the winning tally later in the frame.

Starting lineups

Next: A look into the great debate: Arenado or Bryant?

What’s Next

Chicago welcomes the division-rival White Sox to Wrigley Field Monday afternoon. The crosstown foes will play two on the North Side before playing two more at Guaranteed Rate on Wednesday and Thursday.

Kyle Hendricks (4-3, 4.09) makes his return from the disabled list in the opener. The White Sox counter with Miguel Gonzalez (4-9, 4.89) in the opener. First pitch on Monday is at 1:20 p.m. CT.