Cubs Road Ahead: Big series with the Cardinals

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The Cubs invade St. Louis this Labor Day to kick off a three-game series with the best team in baseball.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon's key to the series was simple: Beat the Cardinals in their home ballpark.

Maddon has liked the way the Cubs have played at Busch Stadium in several series this year, but wants to see his young team close out the Cardinals when they have late leads.

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Of course, the Cubs will have to be doing that without the red-hot Jake Arrieta (who started Saturday) and possibly without Kyle Schwarber, who is still dealing with a rib injury.

Maddon said he is not sure if Schwarber will be ready for the Cardinals series at all, but he is preparing as if the power-hitting rookie will be unavailable. While Schwarber has been out, veteran Austin Jackson - acquired last week from the Seattle Mariners in a waiver deal - has played right field and hit second in the Cubs lineup, the spot Schwarber typically occupied.

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