Chicago Cubs News: Another late-inning victory over the Brewers

The Chicago Cubs needed extras again, this time winning with a bases-loaded walk from pinch-hitter Tommy La Stella. The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen has been taxed in recent games, and it’s starting to show late in games.

The Chicago Cubs got less than they had hoped for from John Lackey. And then when Joe Maddon called on Brian Duensing, he gave up the game-tying run in the fifth on a Travis Shaw double. If there was one spot that offered encouragement, it was that of Hector Rondon. After not pitching due to a stiff back, Rondon came in a struck out two of the three batters he faced in a clean inning. The Cubs would take the lead in the 10th when Tommy La Stella walked with the bases-loaded to give them a 5-4 advantage. Carl Edwards filled in for the unavailable Wade Davis to get the save.

With just a little over a week left, the NL Playoff picture is becoming a little more clear. If Milwaukee is beat out for the Central, can they hold on for a Wild Card berth? And what about the Cardinals? The pesky birds don’t want to go away and have actually jumped the Brewers in the standings for second-place. The rest of the picture is relatively set, with the Cubs likely to draw the Washington Nationals in the NLDS.

There can never be enough pitching. That’s the old adage, at least. While the fans are still very much focused on 2017, the Cubs front office is looking to 2018. One of the names that have been mentioned even this season was that of Juan Nicasio. Could he be a target this offseason? Our Erik Mauro believes he makes sense for the Cubs in 2018.

These and other stories you might have missed

‘Cubs win again on bases-loaded walk to La Stella’ – Cubbies Crib

‘A look at the NL Playoff picture’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Nicasio makes sense for the Cubs in 2018’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs need to re-sign Davis this offseason’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cards rally to move past Crew in Central, WC’ – MLB.com

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