Well, the Cubs clinched a playoff spot late last night, which means we won’t get to see an on-field clincher today, but it’s still all good. As you may suspect from the lack of Bullets this morning, I took my own advice and really enjoyed the moment.
Jason Hammel gets one of his final shots to show that he can be leaned on as a starter in the playoffs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (89-64) at Pittsburgh Pirates (94-60), 12:05 CT on Fox 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
Francisco Liriano (3.41 ERA, 3.24 FIP, 3.21 xFIP; 2.85 K/BB)
versus
Jason Hammel (3.79 ERA, 3.73 FIP, 3.53 xFIP; 4.13 K/BB)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
(This is an old lineup once again, because the Pirates haven’t announced theirs yet and I’ve got to head out to the game.)
1. Josh Harrison, 2B
2. Starling Marte, LF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Francisco Cervelli, C
6. Michael Morse, 1B
7. Sean Rodriguez, RF
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Francisco Liriano, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Austin Jackson, LF
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Starlin Castro, 2B
6. Jorge Soler, RF
7. David Ross, C
8. Jason Hammel, P
9. Addison Russell, SS