Chicago Cubs: Key to success against the Pittsburgh Pirates

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Cubs take two-of-three in thrilling series

Get ready, folks.

Here’s my bold prediction for the series that will likely determine how things shake out for the National League Wild Card game early next month.

Chicago takes two-of-three, but not in the fashion you’d expect. The Cubs will take the opener and Saturday’s contest, but the bats will fall flat in the finale against A.J. Burnett – leaving Arrieta on the short-end of the decision.

Lester will pitch into the seventh while Hammel and the pen will handle business in the middle game of the three-game set. Bryant will hit the century mark this weekend in the last home series of the year and Addison Russell will flash the leather up the middle.

Fasten your seatbelts. This is about to get interesting.

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