Anthony Rizzo gets his first day off today, and Cody Ransom – as the only backup infielder on the roster – will fill in at first base. That’s probably why Starlin Castro can’t also get a day off today, but maybe it’s finally coming.
Jeff Samardzija faces Adam Wainwright tonight, which is a lot of awesomeness. Here’s hoping Samardzija outclasses Wainwright by a mile. The latter has been absurdly good this year after signing a long-term extension because, you know, Cardinals.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (28-40) at St. Louis Cardinals (45-25), 7:15 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
Jeff Samardzija (3-7, 3.46 ERA, 3.07 FIP)
versus
Adam Wainwright (10-3, 2.18 ERA, 1.78 FIP)
St. Louis Cardinals Lineup
1. Matt Carpenter, 2B
2. Carlos Beltran, RF
3. Matt Holliday, LF
4. Allen Craig, 1B
5. Yadier Molina, C
6. David Freese, 3B
7. Jon Jay, CF
8. Pete Kozma, SS
9. Adam Wainwright, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Luis Valbuena, 3B
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Nate Schierholtz, RF
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Ryan Sweeney, CF
6. Cody Ransom, 1B
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Jeff Samardzija, P