Is tonight the night that Jon Lester flashes the guy we know is lurking in there? Will the cutter cut? Will the command command? Will the stopper stop?
Here’s hoping. Even if the Cubs don’t win, it would be nice to see a great Lester start to just hang your early-season hat on. David Ross is behind the plate against righty Mike Leake, and, so, I say again: it would be nice to see a great Lester start.
Dexter Fowler (groin) is back, which is great news not only for the top of the order, but also for the thin bench. Chris Coghlan starts in left, and he’s never been retired by Leake – 8 for 8. That can’t continue, right? Obligatory re-mention of Luis’s post today on Coghlan.
The Cubs have lost two in a row. No more of that, okay?
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (8-7) at Cincinnati Reds (8-8), 6:10 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
Jon Lester (6.89 ERA, 2.86 FIP, 2.80 xFIP; 3.50 K/BB)
versus
Mike Leake (3.92 ERA, 4.70 FIP, 4.04 xFIP; 1.86 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Billy Hamilton, CF
2. Joey Votto, 1B
3. Todd Frazier, 3B
4. Brandon Phillips, 2B
5. Jay Bruce, RF
6. Marlon Byrd, LF
7. Brayan Pena, C
8. Zack Cozart, SS
9. Mike Leake, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jorge Soler, RF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Kris Bryant, CF
5. Chris Coghlan, LF
6. Starlin Castro, SS
7. David Ross, C
8. Jon Lester, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B