Rozner: Chicago Cubs fight for one more chance at division title
There had to be a Game 163.
It's been pointing toward that for weeks as the Brewers chased the Cubs hard, the Cubs staggering and stumbling to the finish line.
But they're here now after both teams won big Sunday, and though it's still not an elimination game, it may offer some comfort to the Cubs that they are finally here, finally down to a single performance with their destiny before them, two teams on the same field Monday at Wrigley.
No more scoreboard watching, no more waiting and wondering.
After leading the National League for much of the season, the Cubs can secure the best record, a division title and two days off by beating their rivals from Milwaukee on Monday at home.
"To win 95 and do it the way we did, it's still not enough as of today," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon. "It's interesting that baseball is such a perfect game in some ways that it takes 162 to not decide anything. It's like it's the first day of the season.
"Pretty crazy stuff."
Maddon must continue to dance on a pinhead, as he has the last two days, knowing the Cubs might also have to play Tuesday in a one-and-done wild-card game - and managing his bullpen accordingly.
"Today, I'm looking at our game, the (Brewers') game, potentially (Monday's) game and then the day after that," Maddon said. "You're thinking about all that in one breath. It's really an awkward moment.
"I've been through it before (in Tampa in 2011). Nevertheless, it is a difficult task.
"You are managing two games (Monday). It's how you get out of the blocks. Of course, you want to win, but if it gets bleak you have to start considering the next day.
"How it all presents itself is going to give you an indication of whether you want to push the gas pedal down or pump the breaks a little and start thinking about the next day."
Monday's game with Milwaukee will start at noon, a result of everyone in the National League taking care of business Sunday, the Rockies and Dodgers winning big, the Brewers pounding the Tigers and the Cubs coming from behind to beat the Cardinals 10-5 at Wrigley Field.
After the two divisional tiebreakers Monday, the Cubs or Brewers will host the Rockies or Dodgers in a wild-card game Tuesday.
"It was exciting," said Daniel Murphy, who started a 4-run, two-out rally in the third inning with a double. "You play 162 games to put yourself in a position to win a division. What more could ask for?"
Starter Mike Montgomery was out at 33 pitches Sunday in the top of the third and Maddon went to Allen Webster, who escaped the jam deftly and the Cards' lead remained at 2-0.
Maddon had indicated Saturday that he wouldn't burn his entire bullpen Sunday unless he thought he had a chance to win the game, and at that moment he knew he might have to play games Monday and/or Tuesday.
That was the most fascinating part of Sunday's affair, the way in which Maddon would navigate the staff with so much at stake, and yet so much more to play for Monday and possibly Tuesday.
Righty Alec Mills was given the fourth and fifth and he took care of business.
"I was a Cubs fan growing up, so this is actually really cool, to be a part of this run that they're on," said Mills a Tennessee native. "I'm just here to do whatever I can to try to help."
Carl Edwards was shaky again, forcing Maddon to retrieve him, and Randy Rosario got the final out of the sixth with the Cubs on top 8-4.
Brandon Kintzler got two outs, Steve Cishek one, Jaime Garcia three and Jorge De La Rosa the final three. In all, it took nine pitchers to get through nine innings and survive a St. Louis team with little interest in the contest, while the Brewers rested their most crucial bullpen arms.
"Carl having a tough day really put a lot of stress on different guys," Maddon said. "If he's right, then all this other stuff probably doesn't happen. He's a big part of what we do and we have to get him right."
It's now up to Jose Quintana - something the Cubs planned for weeks ago - who has handled the Brewers nicely this season to the tune of 4-1 in 6 starts with a 2.17 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, .570 OPS against and a 33-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
"It's a different animal tomorrow," Maddon said. "Go out and play your game. Grind out at-bats and catch the ball on defense. We need a good start out of (Quintana).
"The big thing is to get up early and hold on to a lead, stay out of the beefier part of their bullpen."
The Cubs' offense remembered what it can do Sunday, a good omen for Monday's game, the opportunity to feel good about themselves again as they face yet another tough test.
One game for the division. It couldn't happen any other way.