Heads up: The Cubs are coming after the Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals can squash the Chicago Cubs’ hopes of winning the National League Central when the division rivals begin a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon.

The Cardinals have two former Cubs on their roster: Carlos Villanueva and Miguel Socolovich. Holliday was replaced by a pinch runner. Belisle and Cardinals manager Mike Matheny were ejected.

St. Louis Cardinals starter Lance Lynn delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, September 18, 2015, in Chicago.

Belisle’s pitch in the seventh sailed behind Rizzo’s legs, and Rizzo walked toward the mound.

The 92-54 or 91-55, depending on the outcome of Thursday’s game, Cardinals are slated to take on the 84-61 Cubs for a three game set at Wrigley. The follow-up question is usually something along the lines of “Where is the Cubs/Cardinals split, then?” and honestly, I have no idea – I believe the common answer is Interstate 72, but that seems too far south. So, as a Cubs-fan extraordinaire, where would you say the split is?

Maddon was heartened by Castro’s performance and recognition. Matt Duffy of the Giants and Jung Ho Kang of the Pirates and Noah Syndergaard of the Mets have all had good rookie years, but I think Bryant’s power numbers and good defense at 3B will get him the honor. “That happens sometimes as the game goes on”, Lynn said. The low call was his way.

Haren escaped with a no-decision at Philadelphia on Sunday after yielding four runs on seven hits and three walks in three innings.

The Cubs, conversely, shifted top pitching prospect Carl Edwards Jr. and Corey Black to the bullpen this season, while Pierce Johnson battled injuries that stunted his advancement for the second straight season.

The Cubs could field an NL All-Star infield should Baez, a 2011 first-round pick, blossom at second base and join Bryant, Russell and two-time All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The St. Louis Cardinals have won six of their last nine road games.

VEB: I feel pretty puke-tasticly excited about the possibility of this rivalry heating up in a potential postseason series (NO JINX).

Haren said hitting Holliday was accidental.

NOTES: Cardinals OF Matt Holliday was hit by a pitch in the back part of his helmet when he pinch hit in the fifth against Dan Haren.

Holliday was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday after missing 41 games with a right quadriceps strain.

Maddon also said about the Cubs, “We don’t start stuff, but we will stop stuff”. C Tony Cruz got the start for the second straight game.

A war of bean balls between the two teams – three in total – had Cubs manager Joe Maddon fired up after the Cubs’ 8-3 win over St. Louis.

In four starts against the Cubs this season, Lynn is 0-3 with a 7.50 ERA.