NEWSLETTER
Wulp. Here we go. The Cubs can tonight settle for an ugly series loss by avoiding an OMGLOL sweep by the White Sox in the Crosstown Cup. And I know that that’s what a sweep would entail, because the Cubs did it to the White Sox last year.
I’ll be at tonight’s game, documenting what it’s like for a Cubs fan to take in a Cubs/Sox game at U.S. Cellular Field, which could be particularly interesting in light of the possible sweep. Or it could be intensely boring, given the fact that it’s early May, and these are not likely contenders.
Jake Arrieta makes his second start since returning to the rotation, and it’s going to be hard to top his first outing, all things considered. That one featured 5.1 dominant innings against the Cardinals. I suppose he could top it tonight by going 6 or 7 innings, but, let’s keep in mind that he’s coming off a shoulder issue. There’s no shame in laying off the throttle for a little while.
The Cubs’ lineup features Ryan Kalish subbing into the leadoff spot for Emilio Bonifacio, who gets the night off. It’s a mish-mash of other players against fill-in starter Scott Carroll, who figures to play the part of Hector Noesi tonight. (To Carroll’s credit, the 29-year-old rookie has had back-to-back really nice starts for the White Sox.)
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (11-20) at Chicago White Sox (18-17), 7:10 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
Scott Carroll (0.68 ERA, 3.78 FIP, 5.11 xFIP; 1.00 K/BB)
versus
Jake Arrieta (0.00 ERA, 1.60 FIP, 2.56 xFIP; 3.50 K/BB)
Chicago White Sox Lineup
1. Gordon Beckham, 2B
2. Conor Gillespie, 3B
3. Jose Abreu, 1B
4. Adam Dunn, DH
5. Dayan Viciedo, LF
6. Alexei Ramirez, SS
7. Alejandro De Aza, CF
8. Moises Sierra, RF
9. Tyler Flowers, C
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Ryan Kalish, CF
2. Luis Valbuena, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Nate Schierholtz, RF
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Chris Coghlan, DH
8. Mike Olt, 3B
9. Junior Lake, LF
