Chicago Cubs News: Magic number is down to one

With the blowout win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, the Chicago Cubs magic number is down to one. A win or a Brewers loss will give them their second consecutive division crown.

The Chicago Cubs accomplished two things on Monday. First, they eliminated their rivals the St. Louis Cardinals with a 10-2 win. Secondly, they saw Jon Lester get back on track as they’ll need him to be that pitcher as the playoffs approach. Addison Russell had the biggest knock of the night, a bases-clearing triple to give the Cubs the early lead. He also took out a fans’ nachos as he dove into the stands–then replaced them later in the game.

After leaping into the stands after a foul ball, Russell’s foot caught the Cardinals’ fans nachos, sending them to the turf. Russell also got a handful of meat and cheese for his effort but didn’t catch the ball. Russell later bought the fan nachos, posed for a selfie and brought the man 15 minutes of fame that I’m sure he didn’t expect when he got to the game that night.

The Cubs’ John Lackey is a polarizing figure. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to let anyone know if he’s displeased with them. Umpires included. His effort in the second half has been solid, and you would think that he’d have a place on the Cubs’ playoff roster, right? Our Jacob Chatfield doesn’t, and it’s not because of Lackey as much as the pitcher’s around him. He’s this year’s version of Jason Hammel.

These stories and others you might have missed:

‘Cubs eliminate Cards with blowout win’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Why Lackey shouldn’t make the playoff roster’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Let’s tray 2: Cub replaces KO’d nachos’ – Cut4

‘Judge sets rookie mark for HR’ – MLB.com

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