David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
While the Chicago Cubs haven’t had nearly the same amount of postseason success as the St. Louis Cardinals, one thing has been true about the head-to-head series: it always brings out the best in both of them.
The Cubs lead the all-time series between the two teams with a record of 1173-1114. One might assume the Cardinals have owned the series lead over the past ten years, but that is not the case. The Cubs also hold a narrow series lead in that span with a record of 84-81 since the 2003 season.
No matter where they sit in the standings, it is sure to be a hotly-contested matchup.
Tuesday marks the first meeting between the two of the 2013 season. The Cardinals currently lead the NL Central by three games with a record of 20-11, while the Cubs sit in last place with a record of 12-20.
Lance Lynn will get the start Tuesday for the Cardinals against Travis Wood. Wood has been the most consistent of Cubs’ starters this season, posting an impressive 0.91 WHIP and a 2.50 ERA.
The Cardinals are riding high after a four-game sweep against the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend, however, they will be without closer Jason Motte, who is out for the season.
The friendly confines of Wrigley Field haven’t been so friendly to the Cubs this season as they have lost 10 of 16 home games. The Cardinals’ road-heavy April schedule hasn’t hurt them much as they have won 13 of 19 games away from Busch Stadium already.
Jake Westbrook will take the mound for the Cardinals Wednesday against Cubs starter Carlos Villanueva. Westbrook has been lights-out for the Cards, allowing just one run or fewer in four of his five starts this year. His 1.07 ERA leads his team.
Jon Jay and Matt Holliday are both heating up for the Cardinals after slow starts. Holliday has three home runs in the past six games, while Jay has registered two hits in each of the last four games.
Anthony Rizzo is on a seven-game hit streak for the Cubs, and leads his team with 25 RBIs for the season.
David Fouty is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davefouty, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
