Chicago Cubs: Bullpen proving its mettle during recent winning streak

Oct 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop (46) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the eighth inning in game three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Pedro Strop (46) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the eighth inning in game three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 3, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) and relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) celebrate the final out of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) and relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) celebrate the final out of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Cubs bullpen has played a critical role in the club’s recent four-game winning streak – especially over the weekend against the Cardinals.

The Chicago Cubs entered play Friday on the heels of six-straight losses. Those losses pushed the Cubs two games under .500 as they welcomed their rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, to Wrigley Field.

Up until this point, the Cubs were 3-3 against the Cardinals in 2017. In order to right the ship and get back on track, the North Siders needed to win at least two out of three against St. Louis. Of course, fans and players alike would be overjoyed if the Cubs could sweep the Cardinals and pull back over .500.

Despite only scoring nine runs in their previous six games, the Cubs came ready to battle in the opener.

Even though the Cubs’ starting pitching and offense has struggled at points this season, one thing has been solid. That one thing is the bullpen, as the Cubs entered play on Friday with two relievers with an earned run average under 1.00 (Carl Edwards, and Wade Davis).

Throughout the Cubs’ three game series with the Cardinals, the already-strong relief corps stepped up in a very big way.