Cardinals series means something for Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs find themselves in an interesting position.

They already have wrapped up the National League Central crown, and they're close to gaining homefield advantage through the NL playoffs.

They're also looking to be spoilers.

This weekend, the Cubs will welcome their Gateway Arch rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, to Wrigley Field for a big three-game series.

The Cubs are trying to wrap up homefield advantage and strike the balance between resting their players and keeping everybody sharp.

This weekend, though, they say they'll go all out against the Cardinals, who entered Thursday tied with the Giants and Mets for the two wild-card spots. Each team had 80-72 records, but only two wild cards advance to the single-game playoff.

"It's such an awkward situation to be in," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon of his own team. "I've never been in this before. From my perspective, it's my responsibility to play those games straight up."

Jon Lester, who started the regular-season home opener against the Cincinnati Reds, will get the honor Sunday night of starting the home finale.

"It will be cool," he said. "I pitched the first one here, and I'll get to pitch the last one here. That will be kind of nice. Obviously facing the Cardinals always adds a little bit more, especially here at Wrigley. It'll be fun, ESPN baseball and all that stuff.

"It will definitely be a good atmosphere. It's been a good atmosphere all year. Anytime you bring the Cardinals in, it adds that little bit extra for the fans.

"We haven't let up at all. I feel every team has something to play for."

Picking a good time:

Some Cubs bats are heating up at the right time.

Catcher Miguel Montero looks to be nailing down a spot on the playoff roster. He recorded his second 3-hit game of the season Wednesday night against the Reds. He is 11-for-32 (.344) with 5 RBI in five games this month.

Second baseman-outfielder Ben Zobrist picked up his 11th 3-hit game Wednesday.

He also drew his team-leading 90th walk of the season, becoming the first switch hitter in Cubs history with 90 and the first Cub overall with 90 walks since Carlos Pena drew 101 in 2011.

Leadoff man Dexter Fowler on Wednesday hit his first home run at Wrigley Field since June 4. He has reached base in 8 of 14 plate appearances over the last three games.