After a scorching hot April, a downturn looked like it was a forecasted cruel summer ahead for the Chicago Cubs. Lately, it’s a result we’ve known all too well. But recently, the Cubs have been able to shake it off and are making a serious push to stay in the playoff race. They’ve won eight of their last ten and 14 of their last 22. Are you ready for it?
After taking two of three from the Marlins in FLORIDA, some small-ball and stolen bases helped the Cubs demolish the Pirates on Monday night. Pittsburgh remained down bad when the Cubs used the long ball to take control and capitalized on mistakes Tuesday night. Now, they head into Wednesday with their fourth consecutive series win locked up and looking to keep a blank space for the Pirates. Oh, and they’re finally over .500 for the first time since June. Here we are in August.
Over the last 15 days, the Cubs have eight players with an OPS of .800 or higher. A resurging Miguel Amaya leads the way with an OPS of 1.238. He slightly adjusted his batting, which has helped him overcome an early lack of success.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is rebranding himself as well. The center fielder is finding his stride at the plate and proving to be more than just the defense he was called up for. He has 26 stolen bases and has only been caught once.
It’s hard to say what has clicked for the Cubs lately. Is it a lull in competition with one of the easier remaining schedules? Could the offense be finally clicking as one, and Jed Hoyer’s craftmanship vision is coming to life? It could be both – it could be neither. But it’s definitely also Taylor Swift.
The Cubs Are Rallying Around A Taylor Swift Candle
Cubs Manager Craig Counsell said he was gifted a Taylor Swift-scented candle and had been lighting it before games. Counsell and Clubhouse Manager Danny Miller have lit it before games since receiving it, both home and away. Coincidentally, the Cubs have strung together a few wins, so they’re going to keep it going.
After every win, Counsell marks the side of the candle with a marker. We’re now at eight tallies since the count started. The good news is there’s plenty of room left to add more.
Taylor Swift is one of the most powerful and influential people on the planet. We’ve seen what she is capable of in the NFL, a league that needs no help expanding and growing. Now, she might technically be on our side.
When she comes back to the States for the revival of her US Tour, which starts in Indianapolis, we may need to find a way to get her in a Cubs jersey. Better yet, maybe we can get her to sign the candle or refill it. Are we asking for too much?
Whatever is happening, it’s either gonna be forever, or it’s gonna go down in flames. I know, I need to calm down.
