Chicago Cubs: A return to Cleveland and the World Series

Where they sit: Chicago Cubs

Record:  10-9, 4th in National League Central

Record (Last 10): 5-5

E.R.A: 4.14 (11th in N.L.)

OBP: .348 (1st in N.L.)

Team HR: 20 (11th in N.L.)

Team Leader – WAR: Javier Baez: 1.2 (Fangraphs)

Riding the offensive wave

The Cubs have found sparks of offense, and not where they usually expect it. After Kris Bryant got hit in the head by a pitch, the Cubs would have to make do without him. Bryant had a small laceration over his eye but passed all of his concussion protocol.

Javier Baez once again stole the show, hitting a solo home run in the second–and then added two more with a double to add to his league-leading 23 RBI. Jason Heyward also got into the mix with a two-out single to center.

But defense wins championships

This was a game for the ages, especially for Albert Almora. Almora made three fantastic catches in the field, keeling at least two runs off the board for the Colorado Rockies. It’s not even worth trying to explain them to you. It’s best I just show them to you.

Cubs got help where needed

For the Cubs, it came from everywhere. From Kyle Schwarber to Tommy La Stella, the Cubs got it done in a big way. And for Schwarber–the guy everyone thinks is bound for a DH role? He’s batting .293 with 14 RBI. The same as Heyward. It’s a little frightening, but just think of when the Cubs start putting it all together as a club.