Clayton Richard’s task, if he chooses to accept: go six innings, keep the Cubs in the game. That means no more than three runs, going by the recent offensive standard. You can do, it Clayton.
Richard was actually fairly good against the Marlins in his Cubs debut when he was fully game-planned and all that. He struggled against the Cardinals before the break, but that was when he was pressed into service by an injured Jason Hammel.
As for the Cubs’ offense, they get a nice match-up in a nice ballpark, so hopefully they can put a little something together. Maybe even – dare I suggest – two homers in a single game?
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (49-41) at Cincinnati Reds (40-49), 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
Michael Lorenzen (3.53 ERA, 5.69 FIP, 4.83 xFIP; 1.21 K/BB)
versus
Clayton Richard (5.79 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 4.17 xFIP; 1.25 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Brandon Phillips, 2B
2. Joey Votto, 1B
3. Todd Frazier, 3B
4. Jay Bruce, RF
5. Marlon Byrd, LF
6. Eugenio Suarez, SS
7. Tucker Barnhart, C
8. Michael Lorenzen, P
9. Billy Hamilton, CF
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Kyle Schwarber, C
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Jorge Soler, RF
6. Chris Coghlan, LF
7. Starlin Castro, SS
8. Clayton Richard, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B