What happened: The Chicago Cubs are pushing for a series sweep as they ride one of their best stretches of the season. The club has reeled off five straight wins, punctuated by a 23-run outburst and a walk-off finish, and now has its sights set on closing out another opponent.

Why it matters: Sustained winning streaks like this one reshape a division race in a hurry, building both standing and momentum heading deeper into the summer schedule. A sweep would extend the run and reinforce Chicago's push toward a stronger playoff position.

What to watch: Watch whether the Cubs can complete the sweep and stretch the winning streak, keeping the offensive surge alive as the schedule rolls on.