Let’s play win two!
Jake Arrieta and the righty bats did their job in the opener, and now it’s time for Kyle Hendricks and the lefty bats (well, plus some righties) to get it done.
The opposing starter, Alec Asher, has a cool name, but ugly stats. May the Cubs contribute to the latter while complimenting him on the former (as they circle the bases). I guess he’s had only two big league starts, though.
Positionally, with a groundballer in Hendricks on the mound, it looks like Joe Maddon opted for defense at second and short, which is not to say that either Starlin Castro or Tommy La Stella couldn’t play acceptable defense; it’s just that Russell-Baez is probably the best defensive combo the Cubs have up the middle.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (81-58) at Philadelphia Phillies (54-87), 7:30 CT on CSN and on MLB.tv.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Kyle Hendricks (4.08 ERA, 3.51 FIP, 3.48 xFIP; 3.38 K/BB)
versus
Alec Asher (10.61 ERA, 5.82 FIP, 5.86 xFIP; 1.67 K/BB)
Philadelphia Phillies Lineup
1. Odubel Herrera, CF
2. Darnell Sweeney, 2B
3. Andres Blanco, SS
4. Jeff Francoeur, LF
5. Ryan Howard, 1B
6. Cameron Rupp, C
7. Brian Bogusevic, RF
8. Cody Asche, 3B
9. Alec Asher, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Kyle Schwarber, LF
3. Chris Coghlan, RF
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Kris Bryant, 3B
6. Miguel Montero, C
7. Javy Baez, 2B
8. Kyle Hendricks, P
9. Addison Russell, SS