Series against Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers could be just what St. Louis Cardinals need

The St. Louis Cardinals had one of the most dominant wins in recent history against the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

The Cardinals beat their National League Central rivals 17-1 and will look to clinch the series win in game two Saturday.

Following the series against the Cubs, St. Louis will have a four-game series against another NL Central rival, the Milwaukee Brewers, before closing out the first half of the season with a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves before the All-Star Break.

The Cardinals entered Saturday 46-39 with a one-game lead for the final wild card spot in the National League.

Could series wins against the Cubs and Brewers give St. Louis the necessary momentum it needs to make a run in the second half following the All-Star Break?