Kyle Hendricks starts for the Cubs in the first half of today’s doubleheader, with Kyle Schwarber behind the plate. It’s the first time Schwarber will start and catch a pitcher he’s caught before, so maybe we’ll see some improvements behind the plate.
Schwarber needs no improvements at the plate, however. Another four-hit, two-homer game would be just fine, thanks.
The Cubs face Mike Leake – a trade candidate, and possibly for the Cubs – in this one, and he’s probably the best starter the Cubs will face in this series.
Starlin Castro and Dexter Fowler sit in this one, which makes sense given the lefty on deck for game two.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (50-42) at Cincinnati Reds (41-50), 11:35 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
Kyle Hendricks (3.44 ERA, 3.23 FIP, 3.37 xFIP; 4.67 K/BB)
versus
Mike Leake (3.95 ERA, 4.10 FIP, 3.64 xFIP; 2.45 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Brandon Phillips, 2B
2. Jason Bourgeois, RF
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Todd Frazier, 3B
5. Eugenio Suarez, SS
6. Skip Schumaker, LF
7. Billy Hamilton, CF
8. Tucker Barnhart, C
9. Mike Leake, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Chris Coghlan, LF
2. Kyle Schwarber, C
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Jorge Soler, RF
5. Kris Bryant, 3B
6. Chris Denorfia, CF
7. Jonathan Herrera, 2B
8. Kyle Hendricks, P
9. Addison Russell, SS