AP Sports Preview: Cardinals at Cubs CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs look to build on a record-setting offensive explosion when they open a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT under clear skies, with the temperature expected to be 93 degrees. The Cubs (49-38) enter the contest riding a wave of momentum after scoring a franchise-record 23 runs in a win over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Shortstop Dansby Swanson led the onslaught, going 3-for-5 with three home runs and eight RBIs — one of the most prolific single-game performances in club history. Swanson has been on a tear over his past three games, collecting eight hits — including five home runs — and driving in 11 runs. The hot streak has helped the Cubs win eight of their past 10 games and pull within striking distance of the National League Central lead. The Cardinals (44-39) counter with right-hander Michael McGreevy, who is searching for his first win since June 7. Over his past five starts, McGreevy is 0-4 despite posting a 3.31 ERA. He has completed at least six innings in four of those outings, including his last start Wednesday at Atlanta, where he allowed two earned runs over six innings in a 5-1 loss. St. Louis enters the weekend having lost five of its past seven games, including a series defeat at Atlanta. The Cardinals managed just one run in Wednesday’s loss and have scored three runs or fewer in four of their past six contests. The teams last met May 29-31 in St. Louis, with the Cardinals winning two of three. The Cubs took the series finale 6-1 on May 30. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Cubs victory. Following Friday’s opener, the teams play Saturday and Sunday in the final meeting between the rivals before the All-Star break. The Cubs then embark on a seven-game road trip to Baltimore and Cincinnati, while the Cardinals return home for a six-game homestand against Milwaukee and Atlanta.