The Cubs did not fade down the stretch in 2018. They were 16-12 in September and 11-6 September 12 onward and 4-1 to end the season. The 2019 Cubs did blow all four tires at the end of 2019, but it wasn't due to rain make-ups. Their schedule was just like that. Actually, baseball reference shows the Cubs did not have a single rain postponement all of 2019. I only quickly cross-checked September, but they played true to what was scheduled. They had a day off in the midst of that losing streak (23rd) and their other September off day was the 4th. 2018 was the year they had a few rain make-ups towards the end of the year: -August 28 suspended, made up as DH next day -August 30th off day canceled to make a game up. -September 7th postponed till next day for DH -September 9th postponed till September 13th. This one sucked as they had to play at Milwaukee, go to DC the next day, and then the day after that go to Cincy. Basically between August 21th and the end of the season they had a single planned off day on September 20th. Still, it is incredibly misleading to say they only had one off day as they had numerous postponements that rested their pen just fine. It was more like a few DHs and some inconveniences. The Brewers simply just went invincible to win the division.