NEWSLETTER
The Cubs are coming off of a rough four-game stretch that has seen them win just once – a 1-0 game at that – and lose two in a row to the Brewers at Wrigley.
Now the Cubs will have to get it done in St. Louis against the Cardinals. While it’s absolutely true that the Cubs could get swept in four games by the Cardinals and still compete for the Central this year – such is the nature of baseball – it sure feels like this is something of a statement series for this team.
It starts tonight against righty Carlos Martinez, whose results have been fantastic this year, but he’ll battle control problems from time to time. Hopefully the Cubs make him work, get him out early, and get into that worked-over and depleted bullpen.
Jorge Soler gets the night off after a rough stretch of swings and misses (even if he’s still been collecting hits). That’s probably good for his health long-term.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (13-10) at St. Louis Cardinals (18-6), 7:10 CT on CSN, ESPN (and maybe MLB.tv, though I forget if ESPN games are always blacked out now. Guess we’ll see.)
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Travis Wood (3.04 ERA, 3.34 FIP, 3.23 xFIP; 4.33 K/BB)
versus
Carlos Martinez (1.73 ERA, 4.43 FIP, 3.37 xFIP; 2.40 K/BB)
St. Louis Cardinals Lineup
1. Jon Jay, CF
2. Matt Carpenter, 3B
3. Matt Holliday, LF
4. Jhonny Peralta, SS
5. Mark Reynolds, 1B
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Kolten Wong, 2B
8. Tony Cruz, C
9. Carlos Martinez, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Chris Coghlan, LF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Kris Bryant, 3B
5. Miguel Montero, C
6. Starlin Castro, SS
7. Chris Denorfia, RF
8. Travis Wood, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B
