As guessed, last night’s game didn’t go well for either Edwin Jackson or Charlie Morton on facing the same team twice in a row. Hopefully that’s true again tonight for Wandy Rodriguez, but, like, not true for Jason Hammel. Because he was very good last time out against the Pirates.
The lineup is back to the “against lefty” version, with Starlin Castro slid back up to the two-hole after finding success batting sixth against righties. I probably would have just left him down there for now, but it’s not a huge deal so long as Castro doesn’t change his approach.
Mike Olt and Junior Lake get starts tonight, as expected. I desperately hope they each blow up with a few homers apiece so that each side of the pro and anti-platoon crowds will have ammo.
The Cubs need to win tonight to avoid ensuring that they will lose their third consecutive series to open the season. They needed an exceptionally hot start to stave off the midseason selling plans, and we haven’t seen it yet.
Game Info
Pittsburgh Pirates (5-2) at Chicago Cubs (2-5), 7:05 CT on WGN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Wandy Rodriguez (4.50 ERA, 4.22 FIP, 3.09 xFIP; 5.00 K/BB)
versus
Jason Hammel (1.35 FIP, 2.17 FIP, 3.84 xFIP; 5.00 K/BB)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Starling Marte, LF
2. Travis Snider, RF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
5. Russell Martin, C
6. Neil Walker, 2B
7. Travis Ishikawa, 1B
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Wandy Rodriguez, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Justin Ruggiano, RF
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Mike Olt, 3B
6. Junior Lake, LF
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Jason Hammel, P