NEWSLETTER
It feels almost hard to imagine losing this series after the way things ended last night, but the truth is the Cubs have a tough matchup today.
Not only has Nick Pivetta been pretty darn excellent this season (3.48 ERA, 2.87 FIP), Tyler Chatwood hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency. Hopefully, however, he can build on a much-better last start, during which he only walked four batters, while working with the Cubs back-up catcher (and better pitch-framer) Chris Gimenez.
With that said, even if Chatwood’s on his game, the Cubs will have their work cut out for them. Pivetta is rocking a 27.6% strikeout rate and a 6.7% walk rate, while only allowing a 26.8% hard-hit rate. He hasn’t been particularly good at keeping the ball on the ground, so hopefully the wind is blowing out, but again, without being able to generate much hard contact that might not do too much.
But still, the Cubs have a rubber match today and a chance at yet another series win. Let’s see if they can ride the momentum of last night’s walk-off into a big weekend series against the Pirates.
Game Info
Philadelphia Phillies (32-27) at Chicago Cubs (34-24) – 7:05 on NBC Sports Chicago, 670 The Score
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down in the comments, so let’s have some good, clean (safe-for-work) fun today.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Tyler Chatwood (R): 4.02 ERA, 4.94 FIP; 0.96 K/BB
versus
Phillies: Nick Pivetta (R): 3.48 ERA, 2.88 FIP; 3.37 K/BB
Philadelphia Phillies Lineup:
- Cesar Hernandez, 2B
- Odubel Herrera, CF
- Scott Kingery, SS
- Carlos Santana, 1B
- Aaron Altherr, RF
- Dylan Cozens, LF
- Andrew Knapp, C
- J.P. Crawford, 3B
- Nick Pivetta, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Tyler Chatwood, P
