Chicago Cubs: Winning streak snapped as club heads to Pittsburgh

As the Chicago Cubs headed off to Pittsburgh, the team can hold its head high after an impressive 6-1 homestand over the last week at Wrigley Field.

A nice, clean 7-0 run would have been nice, but the first-place Chicago Cubs wound up 6-1 over the last week. The Atlanta Braves played spoiler on Sunday at the Friendly Confines, taking down the North Siders by a 5-1 final on a day where the offense couldn’t get anything going.

Left-hander Mike Montgomery pitched five innings, allowing three earned. Right-hander Dillon Maples made his big league debut, tossing a scoreless frame in relief. Justin Grimm did the same, but Felix Pena struggled again, serving up a two-spot late to put things out of reach.

In the loss, Javier Baez suffered an injury trying to steal second base. He left the game with blurred vision, but is expected to be back with the club on Monday afternoon. Whether or not he plays remains to be seen.

Chicago (75-61) enters this week’s series against Pittsburgh 3 1/2 games up. While the Cubs played hot, Milwaukee did the same to keep pace. But, in a Labor Day matinee, Jake Arrieta looks to start a new streak.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

The right-hander, hot off his NL Pitcher of the Month honors, has been near-unbeatable in the second half. He owns a 6-1 record and a sterling 1.59 ERA since the All-Star Break. Alex Avila is expected to be back behind the dish today to catch the 2015 Cy Young Award winner.

After this series against the Pirates, the Cubs return home for a pivotal showdown against the Brewers. This weekend’s series may go a long way in deciding the National League Central.

Cubs on Social Media

More Cubs News

Arrieta takes home NL Pitcher of the Month – MLB.com

Verlander wanted Cubs, settles for Houston – Cubbies Crib

No need to rush Russell back early – Cubbies Crib

At all levels, Cubs’ Happ just keeps on homering – Bleacher Nation

Baez hurt in collision, expected back soon – MLB.com

Next: Since return, Schwarber playing better than you may think

What’s Next

Chicago and Pittsburgh open a four-game set Monday afternoon at PNC Park. For the North Siders, Jake Arrieta toes the rubber. Right-hander Chad Kuhl starts opposite Arrieta for the Pirates.

First pitch is at 3:05 p.m. CT.