Maybe it’s the long day I’ve had dealing with basement flooding fallout. Maybe it’s the instinct that builds up over years of following a game closely. Or maybe it’s the cocktail I’m drinking (gin aged in a bourbon barrel?!? Yup, I’ll take it!). Whatever the explanation, I have a feeling: Starlin Castro is going to have a big game.
Yeah, it’s probably the cocktail.
Jon Lester starts for the Cubs with David Ross back behind the plate. By the advanced stats, Lester actually pitched quite well to Miguel Montero and Taylor Teagarden; but, with a lefty on the mound for the Braves, Ross would likely be starting anyway.
Kyle Schwarber: lurking bench bat.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (47-41) at Atlanta Braves (43-47), 6:10 CT on ABC-7 (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
Jon Lester (3.59 ERA, 3.14 FIP, 3.13 xFIP; 3.63 K/BB)
versus
Manny Banuelos (0.75 ERA, 4.15 FIP, 4.34 xFIP; 2.25 K/BB)
Atlanta Braves Lineup
1. Jace Peterson, 2B
2. Cameron Maybin, CF
3. Nick Markakis, RF
4. Jonny Gomes, LF
5. Chris Johnson, 1B
6. A.J. Pierzynski, C
7. Juan Uribe, 3B
8. Andrelton Simmons, SS
9. Manny Banuelos, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Jorge Soler, RF
5. Chris Denorfia, LF
6. Starlin Castro, SS
7. David Ross, C
8. Jon Lester, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B