Jordan Wicks' 16.62 ERA and Why the Cubs Are Playing With Fire Against the Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs have had a wild May, but they can end it strong tonight against the St. Louis Cardinals. After Saturday's 6-1 win, it’s a rubber match, winner takes all, and what a journey to get here it's been.

From Hot Streak to Ice Cold, Then Back Again?

May started like a dream for the Cubs: eight straight wins capped their second 10-game streak of the season. Then manager Craig Counsell's squad hit a wall, losing 14 of their next 16, including a brutal 10-game skid. Now, they've scraped together three wins in their last four, setting up an epic Sunday night showdown against their rivals.

Right fielder Seiya Suzuki is chasing his power stroke hard. He finally smacked a double Saturday, his first extra-base hit since May 15. With only five doubles and seven homers in 168 at-bats this season, and no homers since May 8, he's open about it: "There's good at-bats, and there's some bad at-bats, but I think the amount of good at-bats is increasing. Hopefully, I'm trying to figure everything out one at-bat at a time. Even if I'm not hitting well, I can focus on defense and trying to help the team there."

Bullpen Woes and a Risky Start

The Cardinals are desperate for a win, losing five of their last six, and their bullpen is gassed. Andre Pallante only went three innings Friday, forcing manager Oliver Marmol to use six relievers. Kyle Leahy managed just 4 1/3 innings Saturday, requiring four more arms who gave up five runs (two earned). Leahy said, "I feel like I let them down. If I'm able to get through a little bit more, then Gordon (Graceffo) doesn't have to do (1 2/3 innings) on back-to-back and things like that. It's a trickle effect."

The Cardinals are sending left-hander Matthew Liberatore (2-3, 4.76 ERA) to the mound. He hasn't gone more than six innings this season, lasting five in his last start despite a career-high 10 strikeouts. He's 1-1 against the Cubs over 10 career games, four starts. But the real gamble is the Cubs' starter: former first-round pick Jordan Wicks. He's getting his second start, and his first was brutal: eight runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings for a 12-1 loss. His ERA? A staggering 16.62! While he's historically shut down the Cards in relief (no runs in eight innings across three appearances, including a three-inning save last season), starting a guy with that ERA against your biggest rival is a huge risk.

Tonight's game is all about momentum. Can Suzuki keep his swing going? Will Wicks channel his past success against the Cards and erase that ugly ERA, or will the Cardinals exploit their bullpen fatigue for a crucial win, sending the Cubs reeling into June? Grab your snacks, folks, because this one's gonna be a battle!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.