Cards-Cubs combined win percentage is highest since WWII

But at 39-32, the Cubs are clearly an improved team in 2015. In fact, the two National League Central rivals enter their weekend series with their highest combined winning percentage this late in any season since the end of World War II.

John Lackey, who starts Friday night's game, has been extremely tough at Busch since coming over to the Cardinals at last year's trade deadline. Since August 1, 2014, Lackey has a 2.04 ERA in home games. Only four NL pitchers with at least 10 home starts have lower marks, including former Cardinal Shelby Miller (1.83).

CARDS-CUBS, HIGHEST COMBINED WINNING PERCENTAGE AT START OF SERIES SINCE 1946

Lackey is the first pitcher to start his Cardinal career by allowing three or fewer earned runs in his first 12 home starts since Woody Williams had 16 in a row from 2001-03.

The right-hander will have to contend with Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, who has hits in his last 10 games against St. Louis. Only Houston's Jose Altuve has a longer current hitting streak (12 games) against the Cardinals.

NL SHORTSTOPS TO LEAD TEAM IN HITS, HOMERS AND RBIS (since 1920)