The Chicago Cubs (68-83) will host the Philadelphia Phillies (83-70) on Tuesday in the first game of a three-game series. The Cubs are undefeated against the Phillies this season. First the Cubs swept a three series in Philadelphia, winning 15-2, 6-2, and 4-3 from July 22 to July 24. On Tuesday night, the Cubs came away with another upset, beating the Phillies 2-1.
With Tuesday's loss, the Phillies are 2.5 games behind the Padres for the second of three wild card spots. Fortunately, the Brewers lost to the Cardinals 6-2 on Tuesday keeping the Phillies up by 1.5 games with nine games left for them. Philadephia also won the season series 4-2 over Milwaukee, so they end the season with the same record, there will be no head-to-head one-game playoff, but the Phillies would advance under the new rules.
The Phillies are on a three-game losing streak and have dropped 10 of 13 games.
Even in the darkest days, Rhys Hoskins believed in these Phillies.
Looking back at an amazing prediction he made four months ago. https://t.co/0C0AsNN7ew
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) September 27, 2022
The Phillies are seventh, averaging 4.7 runs per game, sixth with 195 home runs, seventh with a .254 batting average, and eighth with 94 stolen bases. Kyle Schwarber has been a force in the order ranking second in MLB with 42 home runs.
The Philadelphia pitching staff is 16th with a 3.94 ERA and fourth with 72 quality starts. Starting on Wednesday will be Aaron Nola (10-12, 3.28 ERA). On the road Nola is 4-8 with a 3.02 ERA this season. Nola has made four career starts at Wrigley Field and is 3-0 with a 5.04 ERA in those games.