Today's Cubs-Cardinals contest is a statement game for the Series.
It may not be a "must win" for the Cardinals, who have home field advantage, but it is a key for the Cubs.
The Cubs are on a 9 game win streak. The performance over a Game 7-elimination game against the Wild Card Pirates is still foremost in their minds. It is possible to have an endorphin rush let down.
The Cubs paid Jon Lester $155 million just for this moment: post season Number 1 starter. This Cardinal series falls squarely on his shoulders, since Jake Arrieta will only pitch one game (Game 3 on short rest).
Lester is 1-3 against the Cardinals this year. St. Louis is well aware of Lester's problems holding base runners. The Cardinals are expected to put pressure on Lester's fielding issues.
But Lester has performed well in the postseason for Boston. In two divisional series, his record is 2-1, 1.63 ERA. In two world series, his record is 3-0, 0.43 ERA. His overall postseason record is 6-4, 3.57 ERA, 1.071 WHIP, 2.5 K/BB ratio.
It is also a statement game for the fans. The Cubs-Cardinals rivalry has never included a postseason series. The historic nature of this season is on the mindset of everyone. Even late night host Stephen Colbert took out his Chicago time to banish the Goat on national TV. This series is going to be the focal point for national attention. With it, comes growing expectations and bandwagon pressure.
Is Lester up to this monumental challenge?
