The Cubs return home to open up a three-game series against the Phillies. All games in the series are, by definition, winnable. But today’s is the most winnable, with Jon Lester facing Jerome Williams.
But, not-so-fun fact: the Cubs haven’t won on a Friday in 10(!) weeks. They are 0 for their last 9 on Friday. That’s crazy.
Williams no longer walks too many guys, but he also doesn’t strike many out. That is to say, he’s struggled this year because he’s in the zone with hittable pitches. Don’t get frustrated if you see the Cubs swinging early in the count – that might be the best way to beat him.
Game Info
Philadelphia Phillies (34-63) at Chicago Cubs (51-43), 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
Jerome Williams (6.43 ERA, 5.48 FIP, 4.57 xFIP; 2.16 K/BB)
versus
Jon Lester (3.37 ERA, 3.06 FIP, 3.11 xFIP; 3.74 K/BB)
Philadelphia Phillies Lineup
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Ben Revere, CF
3. Maikel Franco, 3B
4. Jeff Francoeur, RF
5. Darin Ruf, 1B
6. Freddy Galvis, SS
7. Cody Ashe, LF
8. Cameron Rupp, C
9. Jerome Williams, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Jorge Soler, RF
5. Chris Coghlan, LF
6. Starlin Castro, SS
7. David Ross, C
8. Jon Lester, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B