Cubs Benefit from Orioles’ Surprising Sweep of Padres
The Chicago Cubs found themselves in a favorable position this week, thanks in large part to the unexpected heroics of the Baltimore Orioles. As the Cubs secured two out of three games against the formidable Atlanta Braves, the Orioles delivered a stunning sweep over the San Diego Padres, solidifying Chicago’s lead in the National League Wild Card race.
Cubs Solidify Wild Card Position
The Cubs kicked off September on a strong note, winning the first two games in their home series against the Braves. However, they stumbled in the final game, allowing the Milwaukee Brewers, currently leading the NL Central, to gain ground with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite the setback, the Cubs entered their scheduled day off on Thursday holding a four-game advantage over the Padres for the coveted top Wild Card spot in the National League.
San Diego’s inability to gain any traction this week has been a significant boon for Chicago, and the Cubs have the last-place Orioles to thank for it.
Orioles Stun Padres in Three-Game Sweep
In a remarkable turn of events, the Orioles outscored the second-best team in the NL West, the Padres, 17-10 throughout their three-game series. What’s particularly striking is that Baltimore achieved this feat on the road, where they had struggled all season, holding a dismal 30-39 record prior to this series. Meanwhile, the Padres boasted an impressive 43-22 at Petco Park.
With San Diego unable to secure a single win against Baltimore, the Cubs were able to extend their lead in the Wild Card standings, a crucial advantage as they aim for postseason play.
Looking Ahead: Key Matchups for Both Teams
As the Cubs set their sights on the upcoming series against the NL East’s last-place Washington Nationals, they hope to capitalize on their recent success. This series presents yet another opportunity to close the gap on the Brewers, who currently lead the division by 5.5 games after their own victory against Philadelphia.
The Orioles have a chance to continue aiding the Cubs as they prepare to face the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend. Baltimore’s performance in this series could provide additional support for Chicago’s Wild Card aspirations.
If the postseason were to begin today, both the Cubs and Padres would secure playoff berths, but Chicago would host all three games of the opening round thanks to their superior record. This underlines the importance of the Cubs’ recent successes as they strive to maintain their position and enhance their playoff prospects.
As the season progresses, the Cubs are poised to take advantage of their schedule and the support from unexpected allies like the Orioles, making for an intriguing stretch run in the National League.
