MLB Standings: Odds of Indians-Cubs World Series rematch on the rise

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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 29: Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

National League Central

Chicago Cubs (75-61, .551, – GB)

Last Week: 3-0 vs. Pirates, 3-1 vs. Braves

Home Record: 40-29
Road Record: 35-32
Runs Scored: 692
Runs Allowed: 598
Run Differential: +94
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 7-3

Milwaukee Brewers (72-65, .526, 3.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-1 vs. Cardinals, 3-1 vs. Nationals

Home Record: 39-32
Road Record: 33-33
Runs Scored: 620
Runs Allowed: 600
Run Differential: +20
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 6-4

St. Louis Cardinals (69-67, .507, 6 GB)

Last Week: 1-1 at Brewers, 3-1 at Giants

Home Record: 37-31
Road Record: 32-36
Runs Scored: 650
Runs Allowed: 592
Run Differential: +58
Streak: Won 1
Last 10: 5-5

Pittsburgh Pirates (65-72, .474, 10.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-3 at Cubs, 2-1 vs. Reds

Home Record: 37-32
Road Record: 28-40
Runs Scored: 571
Runs Allowed: 637
Run Differential: -66
Streak: Won 2
Last 10: 4-6

Cincinnati Reds (58-79, .423, 17.5 GB)

Last Week: 2-1 vs. Mets, 1-2 at Pirates

Home Record: 33-36
Road Record: 25-43
Runs Scored: 651
Runs Allowed: 749
Run Differential: -98
Streak: Lost 2
Last 10: 5-5

The Cubs are clicking at the right time, and Jake Arrieta is a big reason why. The former Cy Young winner is 7-2 with a 1.69 ERA in his last 11 starts dating back to July 2, and Arrieta tossed six shutout innings Tuesday against the Pirates to improve to 14-8 on the season and lower his ERA to 3.36.

John Lackey also posted a strong start as the Cubs opened the week with six wins before losing the series finale against the Braves Sunday. Chicago built its lead to 4.5 games in the Central after a 14-12 win Saturday, and head to Pittsburgh to begin the week with a 3.5-game edge in the race.

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