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While the Cubs are enjoying their day off, they are preparing for a big series against the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend at Wrigley. The St. Louis Cardinals, by the way, are trailing 1-4 going into the bottom of the ninth against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

St. Louis has posted a record of 64-52 in a season where many expected them to finish in the bottom half of the National League Central. A season plagued by injuries and losses of key players had many thinking that St. Louis would be lucky to even post a winning record this year. A big reason for their success has been a career year for right fielder Ryan Ludwick. Ludwick is hitting .306 and leads the Cardinals with twenty-nine home runs. He also has also been spectacular on defense as he has posted .985 fielding percentage in all positions played. He also has five assists with only one error playing right field.

Even though he will not face the Cubs this series, another key reason for St. Louis’ success this season has been the emergence of right handed pitcher, Kyle Lohse. Lohse has posted a 13-3 record for the Cardinals in twenty-five starts. I was a bit surprised to learn that Lohse has the highest winning percentage (.813) of all National League pitchers (according to ESPN ). Lohse’s ERA hasn’t been as great at 3.80, but he has been a key contributor to the Cardinals’ success this season. **Although, he pitched today against the Dodgers and will be tagged for the loss as the game just went final.

Cubs have a chance to put St. Louis away for good this season. Now that they are six games out, the Cardinals need this series much more then the Cubs do. If the Cubs can win the series or even sweep, that may be the final blow to the Cardinals on the year.

Go Cubs!

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