Only five more in a row to get back to .500 …
For all of the snark, a four-game sweep on the road is an accomplishment by any team against any team. Although it wouldn’t surprise you to see, for example, the Braves take four out of four in Miami, you’d still think to yourself, “that’s pretty good, even if the Marlins are very bad.” So, we should think the same thing about the Cubs: if they can complete the sweep today, it’s impressive.
It won’t be easy, though, as the Marlins finally offer up a legitimate – if not above average – big league starter in Ricky Nolasco. The Cubs haven’t exactly lit up the Marlins’ other starters in this series, so it’s possible Nolasco, a former Cubs farmhand, could hold them down.
Fortunately the Cubs counter with The Stache, who’s looking to extend his ridiculous start to the 2013 season (and to keep pace with Travis Wood in consecutive quality starts).
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (9-14) at Miami Marlins (5-19), 12:10 CT on CSN and free look in MLB.tv.
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
Carlos Villanueva (1-0, 1.53 ERA, 3.50 K/BB)
versus
Ricky Nolasco (1-2, 3.81 ERA, 2.71 K/BB)
Miami Marlins Lineup
1. Juan Pierre, LF
2. Chris Coghlan, CF
3. Giancarlo Stanton, RF
4. Greg Dobbs, 1B
5. Donovan Solano, 2B
6. Rob Brantly, C
7. Nick Green, SS
8. Chris Valaika, 3B
9. Ricky Nolasco, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Nate Schierholtz, RF
6. Dioner Navarro, C
7. Luis Valbuena, 3B
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Carlos Villanueva, P