Breaking down National League Division Series Game 2:

Cubs 6, Cardinals 3: Cubs and Cardinals are tied 1-1, in series.

*State of the Series: The momentum has now swung enormously in the Cubs’ favor. They got the split they needed, and now have ace Jake Arrieta in Game 3. So in the Cubs’ view, they actually now lead the series, 2-1. Who can blame them? Arrieta has not permitted a run in his last 31 innings. If you want a greater sample size, since the end of July, he is 11-0 with a 0.41 ERA. It’s the lowest ERA in a 12-start stretch in major-league history. So, yes, the Cubs love their chances in Game 3.

*Game 1 Pivot Point: The Cardinals’ meltdown in the second inning gift-wrapped the Cubs’ victory. It began with second baseman Kolten Wong’s throwing error when he air-mailed his throw into the stands. It continued when starter Jaime Garcia never paid attention to Austin Jackson, permitting him to steal third base without even looking his way. And then he became unglued when Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks laid down a squeeze bunt right in front of the mound.

*What you missed on TV: Busch Stadium III is only 10 years old, but it certainly showed it may be aging quickly. Cubs closer Hector Rondon got stuck in the bullpen bathroom for several minutes after Game 1 on Friday night when the lock malfunctioned. And on Saturday, the main elevator broke down, with reporters trapped for 30 minutes.

*Managerial moves: The Cardinals were planning on starting Lance Lynn in Game 4, right up until Garcia’s meltdown. Lynn was called into the game in the third inning and pitched an inning of relief. Now the looming question for the Cardinals is: Do they come back and pitch Game 1 star John Lackey on short rest in Game 4? He threw just 86 pitches in his 7 1/3-inning shutout performance. If the Cardinals lose Game 3, they may have no choice. Then, they could come back with Lynn, or even Garcia, in Game 5.

*Tough luck: Hendricks was cruising, and one out away from getting the first postseason victory of his career. He had a 6-1 lead, and retired 14 of the last 15 batters he faced. Then, Wong hit a long home run to right field. Randal Grichuk followed with a 444-foot homer to left field. Cubs manager Joe Maddon saw enough, and yanked him, leaving him with 4 2/3 innings pitched -- one out short of qualifying for the victory.

*Rally Stopper: Just when it looked like the Cardinals were going to get back into this game, along came Cubs reliever Travis Wood. He was dominant. He pitched 2 1/3 shutout innings, giving up just one hit, turning the ball over to Trevor Cahill and Rondon for the final six outs.

*The Heart of the Order: Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant still are looking for their first hit of the series. They are 0-for-14. So what happens when they finally get hot?


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