Here we go. Again.
All the same concessions and caveats apply tonight as last night: it’s legitimately a really big game, but it’s just one game(, Brett). As I hope you do, I will try to remain cool and collected throughout, while still enjoying the inherent highs and lows in a baseball game.
Jake Arrieta starts for the Cubs against new acquisition J.A. Happ. The lefty has been solid for a while, but is typically not overwhelming. The Cubs have once again loaded the lineup with righties, though Happ is largely split-neutral for his career. I probably would have tried to get one of Kyle Schwarber or Chris Coghlan in there, but I’m not complaining. Chris Denorfia’s been really good, and David Ross is a beast behind the plate.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (57-47) at Pittsburgh Pirates (61-43), 6:05 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
Jake Arrieta (2.62 ERA, 2.62 FIP, 2.74 xFIP; 4.32 K/BB)
versus
J.A. Happ (4.64 ERA, 4.07 FIP, 4.05 xFIP; 2.56 K/BB)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Gregory Polanco, RF
2. Starling Marte, LF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Jung-Ho Kang, SS
6. Neil Walker, 2B
7. Pedro Alvarez, 1B
8. Francisco Cervelli, C
9. J.A. Happ, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Chris Denorfia, LF
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Jorge Soler, RF
6. Starlin Castro, SS
7. David Ross, C
8. Jake Arrieta, P
9. Addison Russell, 2B