In this third game of a four-game set, the Cubs can already lock down a series win. That’s nice. They can’t top last night’s craziness (right?), so a ho-hum 6-2 win, with Jason Hammel going seven strong innings would look mighty nice.
Speaking of Hammel, he’s been a heck of a lot better through two starts than his ERA would suggest.
At present, the Cubs are three games over .500 for the first time since the 2009 season ended. Seriously. This has been a long, dark road, indeed.
I wonder if tomorrow (an early game) is going to be rest day for a guy like Jorge Soler. Not tonight, though, as he’s in the lineup, together with the other Cubs regulars against Vance Worley.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (8-5) at Pittsburgh Pirates (6-8), 6:05 CT on CSN, and MLB.tv.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Jason Hammel (5.11 ERA, 3.64 FIP, 2.98 xFIP; 11.00 K/BB)
versus
Vance Worley (5.84 ERA, 3.97 FIP, 4.47 xFIP; 1.67 K/BB)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Josh Harrison, 3B
2. Gregory Polanco, RF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Neil Walker, 2B
5. Starling Marte, LF
6. Pedro Alvarez, 1B
7. Francisco Cervelli, C
8. Jung-Ho Kang, SS
9. Vance Worley, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jorge Soler, RF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Kris Bryant, 3B
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Miguel Montero, C
7. Chris Coghlan, LF
8. Jason Hammel, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B