​The Cubs are riding the hottest streak in MLB, winning 15 of their last 19, while the Cardinals are amid a slide—fitting what you’ll read below. Here’s hoping the Cubs can keep that momentum going. Standings update: Thursday’s results gave the Cubs a break from the Brewers, as Cincinnati beat Milwaukee, leaving the Cubs five games back in the NL Central and six in the loss column. They also moved a half-game ahead of the Phillies for the top wild-card spot after Philadelphia fell to the Pirates on Thursday. For more on the Cardinals, check out Doc Holliday, manager of our SB Nation Cardinals site Viva el Birdos. The Cardinals have been slipping, dropping eight of their last 13 games. JJ Wetherholt has hit a rough patch, going 6-for-34 since June 23, though he collected two hits Thursday in Atlanta. Jordan Walker hasn’t completely collapsed, but he has cooled off since his hot start; Thursday he hit his first home run since June 13. Matthew Liberatore has been so off that some players and fans are suggesting a return to mid-inning relief rather than a rotation role. Since the last Cards-Cubs meeting, Nolan Gorman has been sent to Triple-A Memphis, with Blaze Jordan now at third base delivering better offense. Dustin May sat out his last start with back tightness—a standout performance a couple weeks ago gave way to a tough showing next time out. Michael McGreevy has been the most consistent among the five starters, with Andre Pallante also delivering several solid outings, and Kyle Leahy turning in a strong appearance today. The prevailing sentiment among most of the fanbase is that the rebuild will continue, and May, Lars Nootbaar, and JoJo Romero are likely to be in new uniforms after the trade deadline. It’s even 50/50 on whether the Cardinals move first baseman Alec Burleson. Fun facts: After playing 87 games elsewhere first, the Cubs will finally host the Cardinals at Wrigley Field beginning Friday. The Cards won two of three in St. Louis on May 29-31. The Cubs swept three at Wrigley to close out last season after taking two of three July 4-6; in the first of those games, they hit eight home runs, tying a team record they matched on Wednesday against the Padres. The Cubs are 715-551 at home against the Cardinals, a .565 winning percentage, and 0.545 at home against all other teams. In 2,529 games since 1892, when the Cardinals joined the National League, the Cubs hold a 1,282-1,228 edge in wins and have scored just 19 more runs (11,057 to 11,038). (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53) Probable pitching matchups for Friday: David Peterson, LHP (4-6, 5.86 ERA, 1.588 WHIP, 3.92 FIP overall; 1-0, 3.18 ERA, 0.882 WHIP, 4.70 FIP in one Cubs start) vs. Andre Pallante, RHP (9-5, 3.83 ERA, 1.231 WHIP, 3.97 FIP); Saturday: Shōta Imanaga, LHP (5-6, 4.30 ERA, 1.078 WHIP, 4.68 FIP) vs. Kyle Leahy, RHP (6-4, 4.09 ERA, 1.475 WHIP).