Seems like it would be impossible not to be hungover from a loss like the one the Cubs suffered last night. Then again, they’ve suffered heartbreaker after heartbreaker this year, and they keep putting themselves in a position to be heartbroken again. This team loses a lot, but it doesn’t really get blown out.*
That’s largely been thanks to the starting pitching, which has been great. Carlos Villanueva has been as good as anyone, and he goes again for the Cubs tonight. Fear The Stache.
For the Reds, it’s Tony Cingrani, a young lefty who is likely to dominate the Cubs’ almost-all-righty lineup. Said lineup features the first start for Cody Ransom, if you were looking for an exciting story line.
*Yes, I know that will be thrown right back at me if they get blown out tonight.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (5-13) at Cincinnati Reds (12-8), 6:10 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.
Game Tickets
If you’re looking for Chicago Cubs tickets for today’s game (or any future games), you can use that TiqIQ link there for the secondary market. There are also some available on Cubs.com.
Starting Pitchers
Carlos Villanueva (1-0, 1.29 ERA, 6.4 K/9)
versus
Tony Cingrani (1-0, 1.80 ERA, 14.4 K/9)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Shin-Soo Choo, CF
2. Zack Cozart, SS
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Brandon Phillips, 2B
5. Jay Bruce, RF
6. Todd Frazier, 3B
7. Chris Heisey, LF
8. Corky Miller, C
9. Tony Cingrani, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dave Sappelt, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Welington Castillo, C
6. Scott Hairston, RF
7. Cody Ransom, 3B
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Carlos Villanueva, P