The Cubs are going for the sweep(!) today, which would really put a big ‘ole crimp in the Pirates’ playoff plans. If spoiler’s all you got, you play it, but I sure wish it wasn’t the Pirates on the receiving end. Why can’t it be the freaking Cardinals?
A bunch of the young bench guys get starts against the lefty Locke (plus Joe Mather leading off, because that has always made sense). Anthony Recker gets his first start with the Cubs behind the plate.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (53-86) at Pittsburgh Pirates (72-66), 12:35 CT on WGN.
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
Chris Rusin (0-2, 9.00 ERA, 8.27 FIP)
versus
Jeff Locke (0-1, 4.82 ERA, 3.32 FIP)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Brock Holt, 2B
2. Starling Marte, LF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Garrett Jones, RF
5. Gaby Sanchez, 1B
6. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
7. Michael McKenry, C
8. Clint Barmes, SS
9. Jeff Locke, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Joe Mather, CF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Josh Vitters, 3B
7. Dave Sappelt, RF
8. Anthony Recker, C
9. Chris Rusin, P