The Chicago Cubs head back home after a brutal road trip, and today welcome the Cincinnati Reds. At least it’s a Friday, right? Win or lose, you can drink tonight.
One of these games, Chris Volstad is going to keep the ball down, and he’s going to destroy a team. I genuinely believe that. Maybe today’s the day.
I said this morning that Bryan LaHair might move up the order soon, and, what do you know, it happened today. He’s batting cleanup, with Alfonso Soriano sliding down the fifth (which nicely splits up the lefties, too). Yes, Geovany Soto and Marlon Byrd are still in the lineup.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (5-8) at Chicago Cubs (3-10), 1:20pm CT on CSN and MLBN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness. 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 for this series lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Homer Bailey (0-2, 5.40 ERA, 5.4 BB/9)
versus
Chris Volstad (0-1, 4.91 ERA, 1.182 WHIP)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Zack Cozart, SS
2. Drew Stubbs, CF
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Jay Bruce, RF
5. Scott Rolen, 3B
6. Chris Heisey, LF
7. Willie Harris, 2B
8. Devin Mesoraco, C
9. Homer Bailey, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Ian Stewart, 3B
7. Geovany Soto, C
8. Marlon Byrd, CF
9. Chris Volstad, P