If you thought the Jake Arrieta-Garrett Cole match up was going to be epic, think again.
In Pittsburgh, without his best stuff, Arrieta took the one game, Game 7 vibe, to a victory over the Pirates.
Today, on paper, is a better pitching duel. Arrieta (22-6, 1.77 ERA) vs. Michael Wacha (17-7, 3.38 ERA).
However, Wacha has been scuffing in September with a bloated ERA. The Cardinals began resting their starters once they clinched a playoff berth, but the rest has not helped them.
The Cardinals believed they "gifted" Game 2 to the Cubs so they may be a little bitter and more motivated tonight. However, the errors caused by the Cardinals were made because of the intense pressure applied by the Cubs hitters and runners. The Cubs have to continue to put pressure on the Cardinals defense.
Wrigley Field will be a madhouse tonight. Ticket prices are soaring; box seats are being asked in the secondary market for $8,300.00, standing room $150.00.
Since this is Columbus Day, a semi-bank holiday, the fans will be out to Wrigleyville drinking early and often. The crowd will be louder than St. Louis.
The forecast is for a breezy night - - - 14 mph winds blowing out to right field. How the right field scoreboard effects the wind will be on display tonight.
Maddon has a choice to make: Schwarber or Soler, both hot hitters. The solution would be to play both of them, then substitute defense later in the game. If Wacha is off, the Cubs need to score early and often. Otherwise, it could be nail biter.
The one thing that can be counted on is Arrieta. He has the stone faced determination of an assassin when he takes the mound. He expects to win. He expects to throw a complete game. He is a throwback to the 1960s-1970s pitchers like Bob Gibson and Fergie Jenkins. He is the gunslinger with a quicker draw than hitters.
Again, this is a game the Cubs really need to win. Game 4 is a Jason Hammel, bullpen game so anything can happen. But everyone is counting on Arrieta tonight to be Cy Young worthy.
It should be another great baseball game.
