As I mentioned in the Bullets this morning, in anticipation of the bucket-wearing, 38-hour #BNBlogathon, I need to make sure and get a good night’s sleep tonight. So, unless this game goes lightning quick, I probably won’t be around to do the EBS until the morning. If big news breaks, Michael should be around to give you the skinny. Otherwise, feel free to keep each other apprised of the latest in the comments.
As for this game, Dallas Beeler comes up to take the start, and I discussed him earlier here.
Opposing Beeler is the Rockies’ fill-in, Yohan Flande, whom I vaguely remember filling in against the Cubs one time last year and pitching quite well. Don’t do it again, mister. For this season, the start is Flande’s first in the bigs after starting at AAA and pitching out of the pen with the Rockies. The 29-year-old lefty has thrown well enough in relief, and he’s the type the Cubs have had some trouble with lately: pitches to contact. He won’t strike you out, but he also won’t walk you. You’ve got to do the damage.
If we believe that narrative power holds true, then the Cubs would be uplifted by their miracle win last night, and the Rockies would be crushed by the same. Moreover, the Rockies would be unable to shake off the trade of their heart and soul in Troy Tulowitzki, and they’d come out flat tonight. The Cubs would win in a laugher.
Of course, that would only be the narrative if the game actually goes that way. Baseball doesn’t always live up to the neat and tidy package you’ve invented in your mind.
Instead, if the Cubs want to win tonight – and really put that Phillies ugliness behind them – they’ll need to put up quite a few runs, I’d expect, and they’ll need a solid performance from the bullpen.
Game Info
Colorado Rockies (42-55) at Chicago Cubs (52-46), 7:05 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
Yohan Flande (4.24 ERA, 3.36 FIP, 3.67 xFIP; 2.50 K/BB)
versus
Dallas Beeler (6.43 ERA, 3.07 FIP, 4.07 xFIP; 1.50 K/BB)
Colorado Rockies Lineup
1. Charlie Blackmon, CF
2. D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, RF
4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
5. Corey Dickerson, LF
6. Ben Paulsen, 1B
7. Nick Hundley, C
8. Daniel Descalso, SS
9. Yohan Flande, P
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 Denorfia, LF
7. Starlin Castro, SS
8. Dallas Beeler, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B