I can’t say I expected the Cubs to be going for a sweep in this one, but, here we are.
Jeff Samardzija will look to throw a put together a solid start for the first time in a while, and Anthony Rizzo will get his first start against a lefty. On the bench? Bryan LaHair. It’s the Cubs’ first post-Rizzo “all-righty” lineup, and it’s not quite as “all-righty” as before.
Game Info
New York Mets (39-36) at Chicago Cubs (26-48), 1:20pm CT on CSN.
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
Jon Niese (5-3, 3.75 ERA, 4.33 FIP)
versus
Jeff Samardzija (5-6, 4.34 ERA, 3.28 FIP)
New York Mets Lineup
1. Andres Torres, 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. Jon Niese, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Joe Mather, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. RIZZOMG!!!!!!!!!! (yup, still) (1B)
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Jeff Baker, RF
6. Geovany Soto, C
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Luis Valbuena, 3B
9. Jeff Samardzija, P