The best part about an early day game after a marathon night game? No time to linger on a crappy loss. The worst part? No time to do anything else, either.
The Cubs will try to salvage one game in this opening series in Pittsburgh (if they can get the game off – rain threatens all day). Jason Hammel is to make his Cubs debut, and given the aforementioned marathoning, the Cubs could probably stand to have him go a little deep into this one. Oh, and to hit about seven dingers to help stave off extra innings.
The lineup features a bunch of righties this time around to face lefty Wandy Rodriguez, including Justin Ruggiano, who is finally over his ankle issue (hopefully). He might be the Cubs’ best bat against lefties. Mike Olt and Junior Lake are also back in there.
John Baker is an obvious exception (he bats lefty), but Welington Castillo caught the entire 16-inning affair last night.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (0-2) at Pittsburgh Pirates (2-0), 11:35 CT on CSN and MLBN.
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 lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Jason Hammel (4.97 ERA, 4.93 FIP, 4.56 xFIP in 2013, 2.00 K/BB)
versus
Wandy Rodriguez (3.59 ERA, 4.42 FIP, 4.00 xFIP in 2013, 3.83 K/BB); shut down early season with forearm problems)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Starling Marte, LF
2. Travis Snider, RF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
5. Neil Walker, 2B
6. Travis Ishikawa, 1B
7. Tony Sanchez, C
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Wandy Rodriguez, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Justin Ruggiano, RF
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Junior Lake, LF
6. Mike Olt, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. John Baker, C
9. Jason Hammel, P