So. Here we are. The first game of a 90-game winning streak, and the run of 15 consecutive World Series titles.
I’m actually kidding about the kidding. This actually is a great night, and I’m super bummed that I can’t be there. Anthony Rizzo makes his debut for the Cubs after shredding AAA pitching for another half season. He may not do it all tonight, but it should be fun to watch his progress. And it starts tonight.
Rizzo bats third, about which I’m mostly ambivalent. It feels like a “high pressure” spot, but it also means that he’s got a couple decent bats behind him (Soriano and LaHair). Hopefully he gets a hit early, and that takes the pressure off.
Also of note tonight, Randy Wells gets another chance to show he can still be a big league starter. I know it sounds stupid, but it isn’t meaningless tonight.
Game Info
New York Mets (39-35) at Chicago Cubs (25-48), 7:05pm CT on WCIU.
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
Dillon Gee (5-5, 4.27 ERA, 1.235 WHIP)
versus
Randy Wells (1-2, 4.91 ERA, 1.909 WHIP (yikes))
New York Mets Lineup
1. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, CF
2. Ruben Tejada, SS
3. David Wright, 3B
4. Lucas Duda, RF
5. Ike Davis, 1B
6. Scott Hairston, LF
7. Daniel Murphy, 2B
8. Josh Thole, C
9. Dillon Gee, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. RIZZOMG!!!!!!!!!! (1B)
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Bryan LaHair, RF
6. Luis Valbuena, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Steve Clevenger, C
9. Randy Wells, P