Dear Cubs,
Please score 500 runs in the first few innings tonight so that Jeff Samardzija can definitely finally get the stupid “win” that everyone won’t shut up about.
Sincerely,
The Forward-Thinking Internet
Mike Olt stays in the lineup playing third base, as does Ryan Kalish, who’s seen a considerable uptick in his playing time of late.
The Braves have themselves a forward-thinking lineup, with their best hitter in the two-hole, and their pitcher batting 8th.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (12-22) at Atlanta Braves (19-15), 6:10 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
Jeff Samardzija (1.62 ERA, 3.04 FIP, 3.50 xFIP; 2.53 K/BB)
versus
Ervin Santana (2.41 ERA, 2.43 FIP, 2.61 xFIP; 4.50Â K/BB)
Atlanta Braves Lineup
1. Jason Heyward, RF
2. Justin Upton, LF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Evan Gattis, C
5. Chris Johnson, 3B
6. B.J. Upton, CF
7. Andrelton Simmons, SS
8. Ervin Santana, P
9. Tyler Pastornicky, 2B
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Emilio Bonifacio, CF
2. Ryan Kalish, RF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Luis Valbuena, 2B
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Mike Olt, 3B
8. Junior Lake, LF
9. Jeff Samardzija, P