For the fifth series in a row – seriously, check for yourself – the Cubs enter the series finale with a sweep on the line. In four of those series, including today’s, it’s the Cubs trying to ward off the sweep. They’ve succeeded each time (and managed to lose the finale in that Cardinals series), so it’s pretty much a lock that the Cubs are going to win today.
If it’s to be, Edwin Jackson may have to repeat his fantastic last start, and the Cubs’ bats will have to get to Aaron Harang, who has started the year with a sub-3 ERA over his first 7 starts. It’s actually a little more interesting than that for Harang: outside of his 9 ER, 4.2-inning April 30 start, he’s had a quality start each time out. Most of them quite dominating. Still … kinda feels like pumpkin status is approaching at any minute.
Jackson gets a Justin-Upton-less Braves lineup, as the outfielder hurt himself (maybe twice) in last night’s game.
Slumping Emilio Bonifacio gets another day off, and Ryan Kalish once again leads off. Mike Olt starts again, and Chris Coghlan makes a start in left, batting second.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (12-23) at Atlanta Braves (20-15), 12:35 CT on WGN, MLBN.
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
Edwin Jackson (4.57 ERA, 3.15 FIP, 3.96 xFIP; 2.06 K/BB)
versus
Aaron Harang (2.98 ERA, 2.73 FIP, 3.54 xFIP; 2.87 K/BB)
Atlanta Braves Lineup
1. Jason Heyward, RF
2. Tyler Pastornicky, 2B
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Evan Gattis, C
5. Chris Johnson, 3B
6. Ryan Doumit, LF
7. Andrelton Simmons, SS
8. Aaron Harang, P
9. Jordan Schafer, CF
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Ryan Kalish, CF
2. Chris Coghlan, LF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Nate Schierholtz, RF
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Mike Olt, 3B
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Edwin Jackson, P