Cade Gibson

But after that, Victor Vodnik worked an inning.

Cade Gibson got two outs.

Dax Fulton fired two and two-thirds.

And then Bradley Blalock ate three and a third innings of work.

So, for tonight's finale, what do we know about the pitching matchups? Are we seeing any new names come up from the minors or deep in the bullpen?

We don't have the official probable listed yet for today's 18-20 start, but given the workload, expect someone like Cade Gibson or Michael Peterson to get the nod, or perhaps Jack Ralston if they need a fresh arm.

The Cubs will be desperate to avoid the sweep, so their starter will likely be on short rest or facing a tough lineup.

The Cubs are looking to avoid a series sweep, which adds a layer of intensity.

But in this sixth inning for the Cubs, they had such an opportunity to score more runs and really put on some big numbers.

The Cade Gibson comes in, did not have it to replace Junk.

So they didn't get anything done off Junk.

PCA singled, although it took a challenge play to make it a single.

Otherwise in the pen, you've got three guys who I think are really on the outside looking in for next year.

Those guys are Tyler Zuber, Cade Gibson.

And yeah, Victor Vodnik.

I think that Miami probably likes Vodnik more than the other two.

Jason Adam is on the 60-day IL, Anthony Bender is on a 15-day IL.

So you're relying on guys like Bradley Blalock, Josh Ekness, Calvin Faucher, Dax Fulton, Kade Gibson, Michael Peterson, Tyler Phillips, Jack Ralston, Viktor Vodnik, and Tyler Zuber.

That's a lot of arms, but none of them are closers with established track records like Adam would have been.

It's a catch-22.

But if they want to protect him, or if he's not ready, Ryan Gusto is the next logical step.

However, looking at the roster, we also have Bradley Blaylock, Josh Eckness, Calvin Fauché, Dax Fulton, Cade Gibson, Michael Peterson, Tyler Phillips, Jack Ralston, Victor Vodnik, and Tyler Zuber in the bullpen.

Wow.

That is a crowded pen.

If Alcantara throws more than 95 pitches, you're likely pulling him.

Then it becomes a game of musical chairs with those relievers.

Cade Gibson and Victor Vodnik have been solid in spot starts, but facing Cronenworth and Salas back-to-back, that's tough.

Cronenworth and Salas.

The Marlins aggressive using their bullpen.

They went to lefty Cade Gibson to face Jackson Merrill.

Merrill struck out.

Pavetta pitched a scoreless fifth inning.

They left on eight.

The winning pitcher tonight, Nick Pavetta, who improves to three and two.

Losing pitcher, Cade Gibson, who drops to five and two.

Time of game tonight, two hours and 46 minutes in the crowd at Petco Park.