The Chicago Cubs will look to strengthen their position atop the National League wild-card race on Sunday when they bid for a three-game sweep against the host Miami Marlins.

In his first big-league start in a month, Javier Assad grinded through 4 2/3 innings Saturday against the Miami Marlins, ultimately limiting enough damage in the Chicago Cubs’ 6-5 win.

As Jack Brickhouse used to say: “When you come by, bring my stomach!”

The Chicago Cubs got a strong bounce-back showing from Shota Imanaga on Friday against the Miami Marlins. The struggling southpaw threw 6.0 innings of three-hit

It’s a straightforward (versus righty) Cubs lineup for the second game in Miami, including Pedro Ramirez back at second base and Michael Conforto at DH. Carson Kelly caught last night, so Miguel Amaya is behind the plate. With a righty on the mound for Miami, Tyrone Taylor and Matt Shaw are also on the bench.

Shota Imanaga’s best start in more than a month showed why Chicago’s pitching and defense could translate into a dangerous October formula.

Miami Marlins manager Clyaton McCullough delivered an honest quote after a 6-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.

Shota Imanaga allowed three hits and one run in six innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled and stole his 33rd base as the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 6-1 on Friday. Imanaga (9-10) struck out four and improved to 4-2 in nine starts since the All-Star break.