Well, here we go.
It’s the last day of the regular season, which was already going to be meaningful given the year that the Chicago Cubs have had. But, moreover, there’s actually something on the line today: if the Cubs can beat the Brewers, and if the Pirates lose to the Reds, then the Wild Card Game will be played AT WRIGLEY FIELD. That would be incredible for a number of reasons, so here’s hoping Dan Haren brings his best.
The Cubs face the Brewers’ top minor league pitcher on the year (he won pitcher of the league honors in the Southern League this year), 22-year-old Jorge Lopez, who was very good at AA, and earned himself a September call-up. Hopefully he finds himself a little intimated in a big game, against a good lineup, on the final day of the year.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Pirates go with J.A. Happ against youngster Josh Smith. The game starts at essentially the same time as this one, so you can game thread that one in this post, too.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (96-65) at Milwaukee Brewers (68-93), 2:10 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
Dan Haren (3.67 ERA, 4.68 FIP, 4.69 xFIP; 3.49 K/BB)
versus
Jorge Lopez (5.40 ERA, 1.54 FIP, 2.13 xFIP; 3.50 K/BB)
Milwaukee Brewers Lineup
1. Scooter Gennett, 2B
2. Shane Peterson, RF
3. Adam Lind, 1B
4. Khris Davis, LF
5. Domingo Santana, CF
6. Hernan Perez, 3B
7. Jean Segura, SS
8. Martin Maldonado, C
9. Jorge Lopez, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Chris Coghlan, RF
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Starlin Castro, 2B
6. Chris Denorfia, LF
7. Miguel Montero, C
8. Addison Russell, SS
9. Dan Haren, P