The Cubs’ challenge today gets a little steeper against the Reds, as Johnny Cueto takes the mound. He’s pretty much always good, so runs figure to be at a premium on a cloudy, drizzly day.
That means the onus will be on Jason Hammel to keep on doing what he’s done all year – well, pretty much any time he’s worn a Cubs jersey.
If you’re at the game, stop by the right field bleachers and say hello. I’ll be in there somewhere, rocking a blue and red tie dye shirt – because why not? – and jeans and the blue/yellow shoes.
Because of the early game and the vagaries of visiting with folks after the game in Wrigleyville, the EBS may be later than usual after this one.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (27-32) at Chicago Cubs (32-26), 3:05 CT on WGN-9 (or your local affiliate) 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
Johnny Cueto (2.64 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 3.21 xFIP; 5.21 K/BB)
versus
Jason Hammel (2.76 ERA, 2.95 FIP, 2.92 xFIP; 8.44 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Skip Schumaker, LF
2. Ivan De Jesus, Jr., 2B
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Todd Frazier, 3B
5. Jay Bruce, RF
6. Brayan Pena, C
7. Eugenio Suarez, SS
8. Johnny Cueto, P
9. Billy Hamilton, CF
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Chris Coghlan, LF
7. Chris Denorfia, RF
8. Jason Hammel, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B