This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/maryland as Former Maryland shortstop Matt Shaw helps Chicago Cubs keep pace in pennant race. The Chicago Cubs are in a tie for first place in the National League Central, and that is in no small part thanks to former Maryland third baseman Matt Shaw.

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner found multiple ways to positively impact the game Sunday, which gave a boost to starting pitcher Ben Brown.

Cade Horton’s start was the Cubs’ sixth this season of at least 6⅓ innings with no runs allowed. He had a seven-inning scoreless start vs. the Guardians on July 3. Matthew Boyd also has had two. Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele have had one. Horton has not given up a run in his last 12⅔ innings spanning three games.

Ian Happ and Matt Shaw homered to back 6 1/3 strong innings from Cade Horton as the visiting Chicago Cubs defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-1 on Saturday.

Ian Happ and Matt Shaw homered in the seventh inning, helping Cade Horton and the Chicago Cubs beat the Chicago White Sox 6-1

The Cubs ’ lineup had a bit of a different look Friday against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. Switch-hitting Vidal Brujan got the start at third base over Matt Shaw, and left-handed-hitting Reese McGuire started behind the plate.

White Sox pitcher Sean Burke could match up against Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw, his teammate at the University of Maryland, in Sunday's series finale.

If the Chicago Cubs were to add a bat at the trade deadline, third base could be one spot worth a conversation. But would they prefer to keep giving Matt Shaw at-bats?

The latest Chicago Cubs rumors include Matt Shaw's grim future, an unexpected leg up for Eugenio Suárez, and a potential Charlie Morton trade red flag.