Remember that time the Chi-Feds lost in humiliating fashion to the Packers at Weeghman Park? Good thing that has absolutely nothing to do with today’s game between the Cubs and Diamondbacks.
The Chicago Cubs will today go for their first series win of the year (coming into the series, there’s no way you wouldn’t have gladly taken a 3-1 win, right?), and they’ll face rookie Mike Bolsinger, who actually is a local Chicagoan. It’ll be a really nice moment for him, and one that the Cubs hopefully crush immediately. He’s making just his second big league start, and the Dodgers put it to him pretty good in his first.
For the Cubs, Edwin Jackson takes the mound, and you know the story with him: he needs to throw strikes early, and stay down in the zone. That’s the simplistic version, but it’s also pretty much true. The Diamondbacks are throwing him a serious bone with their lineup today, so hopefully Jackson takes advantage.
The Cubs’ lineup sure is interesting: with a righty on the mound, Mike Olt gets his third straight start. Luis Valbuena also gets the start … at second base.
Game Info
Arizona Diamondbacks (6-18) at Chicago Cubs (7-13), 1:20 CT on WGN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. 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
Mike Bolsinger (10.29 ERA, 3.88 FIP, 3.17 xFIP; 2.67 K/BB)
versus
Edwin Jackson (5.40 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 4.46 xFIP; 1.46 K/BB)
Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup
1. Gerardo Parra, RF
2. Martin Prado, 3B
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Aaron Hill, 2B
6. Roger Kieschnick, LF
7. Cliff Pennington, SS
8. Tony Campana, CF
9. Mike Bolsinger, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, CF
2. Luis Valbuena, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Nate Schierholtz, RF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Mike Olt, 3B
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Ryan Kalish, LF
9. Edwin Jackson, P