The Cubs have lost five in row, and it ain’t because of the pitching. We’ll see if both ends of that hold true again today, with Edwin Jackson starting, and the lineup stacked with righty bats to face lefty Tony Cingrani.
I won’t even mention Jackson’s hilariously inflated .396 BABIP, which is almost certainly the primary reason for his elevated ERA, because I know that’s not what people want to hear about Jackson.
The Cubs have scored just one run over their last three games. Woof.
If the Cubs lose today, they lock in their sixth straight series loss to open the season. Double woof.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (7-9) at Chicago Cubs (4-11), 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
Tony Cingrani (2.60 ERA 3.07 FIP, 3.73 xFIP; 2.22 K/BB)
versus
Edwin Jackson (6.19 ERA, 3.76 FIP, 5.03 xFIP; 1.27 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Billy Hamilton, CF
2. Joey Votto, 1B
3. Brandon Phillips, 2B
4. Jay Bruce, RF
5. Todd Frazier, 3B
6. Chris Heisey, LF
7. Devin Mesoraco, C
8. Zack Cosart, SS
9. Tony Cingrani, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, CF
2. Junior Lake, LF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Justin Ruggiano, RF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Mike Olt, 3B
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Edwin Jackson, P