NEWSLETTER
In the Lineup Discussion earlier today, I wrote that win 102 was gratuitous. Yeah, forget that.
Let’s git ’em.
It’s the final Jake Day of the regular season, as Jake Arrieta takes the ball for the Cubs in a pretty cool matchup (against up-and-comer Jameson Taillon). Arrieta has a shot at reaching both 19 wins and 200 innings. But, to be honest, I’ll be almost completely focused on how he looks individually, because a hot Arrieta heading into the playoffs can single-handedly swing the Cubs World Series hopes dramatically.
His last time out was one of his finest this season. In seven innings against the Cardinals, Arrieta allowed no earned runs, on just five hits and a walk against 10 strikeouts – that’s the guy we need. That game was caught by Miguel Montero, and that’s who’ll catch Arrieta tonight.
Opposing Arrieta and the Cubs, as I said, is the young, but talented Jameson Taillon. After hearing Taillon’s name for years, the Pirates finally debuted the righty earlier this season, and he’s made 17 starts since (including one against the Cubs). The first time the Cubs met him, he lasted just 4.0 innings, while allowing four earned runs on eight hits (three homers) and a walk. But he’s been a much different pitcher in the second half: 3.34 ERA, 52.2% ground ball rate, 6.67 K/BB ratio.
The outcome of the game might not have any implications on the Cubs immediate future, but you’d still like to see Arrieta dominate and the Cubs’ offense stay hot.
First pitch is at 6:05 CT.
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Game Info
Chicago Cubs (101-56) at Pittsburgh Pirates Braves (77-80), 6:05 CT on CSN-C, 670 The Score.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun. But keep it “safe for work” type fun, all right?
The Series Preview lives here. The Lineup Discussion lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Jake Arrieta (R): 2.36 ERA, 3.40 FIP, 3.45 xFIP; 3.83 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Jameson Taillon (R): 3.49 ERA, 3.60 FIP, 3.34 xFIP; 5.79 K/BB
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Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup:
1. Adam Frazier, 2B
2. Josh Bell, RF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Matt Joyce, LF
5. Sean Rodriguez, SS
6. John Jaso, 1B
7. David Freese, 3B
8. Eric Fryer, C
9. Jameson Taillon, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Ben Zobrist, LF
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. Addison Russell, SS
7. Chris Coghlan, LF
8. Miguel Montero, C
9. Jake Arrieta, P
