The Cubs and Indians tried to play a couple games at Wrigley Field back in mid-June, but the rains had their own idea for one of the games. Thus, postponement. Thus, a strange one-off game at 1:05pm CT on a would-have-been-off-day.
And it’s against Corey Kluber instead of Trevor Bauer, who was going to pitch that day. That part kind of stinks.
And it’s with a depleted lineup. That part kind of stinks, too.
But, seriously: this Cubs team is good. Make Kluber work a bit, and hopefully get him out in the 6th/7th. Jon Lester figures to bounce back from his rough outing against the Tigers, and could hold the Indians down until the later innings. Then, I like the Cubs’ chances.
The last time the Cubs played the Indians, they lost a close one, but, before that, they won 17-0 in a laugher. Those were both in Cleveland, which came after a game in Chicago. The Cubs lost that one, so this fractured, two-city, three-stop, four-game series is currently Cleveland 2, Chicago 1. Get the split!
Game Info
Cleveland Indians (58-65) at Chicago Cubs (71-51), 1:05 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 (technically).
Starting Pitchers
Corey Kluber (3.52 ERA, 2.82 FIP, 2.95 xFIP; 5.77 K/BB)
versus
Jon Lester (3.58 ERA, 3.16 FIP, 3.10 xFIP; 3.92 K/BB)
Cleveland Indians Lineup
1. Jason Kipnis, 2B
2. Francisco Lindor, SS
3. Michael Brantley, LF
4. Carlos Santana, 1B
5. Yan Gomes, C
6. Mike Aviles, CF
7. Jerry Sands, RF
8. Giovanny Urshela, 3B
9. Corey Kluber, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Kyle Schwarber, LF
3. Chris Coghlan, RF
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Kris Bryant, 3B
6. Tommy La Stella, 2B
7. Starlin Castro, SS
8. David Ross, C
9. Jon Lester, P