On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Cardinals series preview

The Cubs are the hottest team in MLB, having won 15 of their last 19, and the Cardinals, as you'll see below, are on a skid. Here's hoping the Cubs keep that skid going.

Standings update: The Reds did the Cubs a favor Thursday by defeating the Brewers, so the Cubs enter Friday's action five games behind Milwaukee, six in the loss column. The Cubs also moved half a game ahead of the Phillies for the top wild-card spot when the Phillies lost to the Pirates on Thursday.