NEWSLETTER
As far as mid-June games against probable bottom feeders go, tonight’s game has a whole lot of importance baked in.
Consider:
- This is the Cubs’ last game against a crummy team for a good long while.
- The Cubs have a chance to pull off a four-game series win for the second time in a couple weeks, which is not an easy feat.
- Jon Lester has a chance to get back on track after a couple not-so-great starts.
- The bullpen has been taxed a fair bit in this series, and a lengthy Lester outing could really help that situation over the next week.
- The Cubs are in the middle of a nice warm stretch, and it would be great to see that continue. They have a chance tonight to go seven games over .500 for the first time on the season.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (28-33) at Chicago Cubs (33-27), 7:08 CT on ESPN (but possibly blacked out 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
Anthony DeSclafani (3.53 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 4.57 xFIP; 1.71 K/BB)
versus
Jon Lester (4.25 ERA, 3.66 FIP, 3.20 xFIP; 3.50 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Brandon Phillips, 2B
2. Joey Votto, 1B
3. Todd Frazier, 3B
4. Jay Bruce, RF
5. Brayan Pena, C
6. Eugenio Suarez, SS
7. Kristopher Negron, LF
8. Anthony DeSclafani, P
9. Billy Hamilton, CF
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Chris Coghlan, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Mike Baxter, RF
7. David Ross, C
8. Jon Lester, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B
