Chicago Cubs-St. Louis Cardinals: This Could Get Ugly

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

With the Cardinals coming to town this weekend, who knows what to expect. This series is always a fun one.

What a way to send both teams to the all star break. Both teams are getting set for a four game series that will be played in three days with first place up for grabs.

Game One

Game one is set for Saturday (7/11) at 1:20pm CT. Set to start for the Cubs is Rich Harden (5-5 5.35 ERA) and for the Cardinals is Brad Thompson (2-5 4.92 ERA).

Pitching

Advantage has to go to the Cubs in game one. Yes, Harden hasn't been very consistent this year as seen in his 5-5 record and 5.35 ERA but Thompson isn't a proven starter like Harden is. Harden wins this by default.

Health

This is a tie. Both teams will be well rested and pretty healthy going into this series. The Cardinals had a day off before the Brewers series on Monday and the Cubs will have a day off the day before game one.

Hitting

This one goes to the Cubs. The Cubs have been very shaky as of late with their hitting as seen in the Atlanta series, but they are very capable of scoring runs as seen in the Milwaukee and Pittsburgh series.

Game One Winner: Chicago Cubs

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