The home opener was not kind to the Cubs’ bats (or anyone sitting in the teeth of the wind), and today might not be any more kind, as the team faces Phillies ace Cliff Lee. He had a rough first start in Texas, but thinking he’s going to duplicate that today would probably be a mistake. In other words, the Cubs could use a little luck, and a great start from Jeff Samardzija.
With another lefty on the mound, familiar right-handed bats return to the lineup, including Mike Olt, Junior Lake, and Justin Ruggiano.
Game Info
Philadelphia Phillies (2-2) at Chicago Cubs (1-3), 1:20 CT on CSN.
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
Cliff Lee (14.40 ERA, 6.02 FIP, 5.64 xFIP; 1.00 K/BB)
versus
Jeff Samardzija (0.00 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 4.28 xFIP; 1.50 K/BB)
Philadelpia Phillies Lineup
1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. Wil Nieves, C
8. Cody Asche, 3B
9. Cliff Lee, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Justin Ruggiano, RF
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Junior Lake, LF
6. Mike Olt, 3B
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Jeff Samardzija, P