3 Positive Takeaways From Cubs Weekend Series vs. Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs finished their three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday afternoon with a 6-5 comeback win, taking two of three games to win the series. From clutch pitching performances to offensive outbursts, there were several positives from this series that Cubs fans should be excited about.

Hoerner Continues to Hit

There were a lot of questions coming into this season about who would take over as the everyday shortstop for the Cubs. But Nico Hoerner has easily put those questions to bed.

This weekend was a reminder of just how effective Hoerner has been with the bat to date this season. In 13 plate appearances, Hoerner batted .546 with six hits, including one home run, 2 RBIs, two walks, and two runs.

Hoerner’s hot weekend was just the icing on the cake for this month. Across 22 games in June, the shortstop has a .313 average with 25 hits, including six extra-base knocks, six RBIs, five walks, one stolen base, and a .364 OBP. Without a doubt, Hoerner has solidified himself as the everyday shortstop for the Cubs.

Bullpen Arms Shine

The Chicago Cubs’ bullpen was on full display this weekend and a couple of arms showed out.

David Robertson continued his dominant season this weekend. In two appearances, the veteran right-hander threw 2.1 innings with three strikeouts and one save while allowing zero runs and zero hits. For the season, Robertson owns a 1.86 ERA in 29 innings with nine saves and 39 strikeouts.

Mychal Givens was also a bright spot among the Cubs’ relief corps this weekend. The veteran made an appearance in Sunday’s game and did not disappoint. In 1.2 innings, Givens allowed only one hit and had three strikeouts in what turned out to be an impressively clutch outing for the righty. Givens has appeared in 28 games this season, throwing 28.1 innings with four wins, 37 strikeouts, 15 walks, an 11.8 SO9, and a 3.81 ERA.

With the trade deadline right around the corner, Givens and Robertson will likely be sought-after trade pieces.

Friday Night Class in Session

Kyle Hendricks has endured an up-and-down season so far. But the crafty veteran was in full Professor mode on Friday night.

In 7.1 innings, Hendricks gave up zero runs on five hits and one walk, striking out six Cardinals in the process. In 14 games this year, Hendricks has pitched to a 3-6 record with 55 strikeouts, 21 walks, and a 4.90 ERA in nearly 76 innings.

No, those are not the numbers Cubs fans are accustomed to seeing from Hendricks. But if he continues to have outings like Friday night’s this close to the trade deadline, don’t be shocked to hear the Professor’s name in rumors over the next few weeks.

The Chicago Cubs have an off day on Monday before returning to action on Tuesday night at home. Another NL Central foe awaits as the Cincinnati Reds visit Wrigley Field for a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

NEXT: Jed Hoyer Discusses Former Core, Tough Decisions, and Cubs Future