The Cubs have an opportunity to win this four game series with the Phillies, which is probably not something we would have projected back in early April. Better, the Cubs could close the month at a digestible 9-14.
Chris Volstad gets the start today, in place of Jeff Samardzija, who was bumped back to tomorrow to help preserve his arm a bit. The Cubs face Vance Worley, who just keeps pitching well.
Geovany Soto is back in the lineup today, and Blake DeWitt gets a start at second base.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (8-14) at Philadelphia Phillies (10-12), 6:05pm CT on CSN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness by clicking on me. 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
Chris Volstad (0-3, 6.14 ERA, 1.273 WHIP)
versus
Vance Worley (2-1, 2.16 ERA, 1.240 WHIP (interesting to see those two WHIPs side-by-side, eh?))
Philadelphia Phillies Lineup
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Placido Polanco, 3B
3. Shane Victorino, CF
4. Hunter Pence, RF
5. Ty Wigginton, 1B
6. Laynce Nix, LF
7. Carlos Ruiz, C
8. Pete Orr, 2B
9. Vance Worley, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Tony Campana, CF
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Ian Stewart, 3B
7. Blake DeWitt, 2B
8. Geovany Soto, C
9. Chris Volstad, P