By virtue of yesterday’s win, the Chicago Cubs have necessarily started a winning streak anew, one that they hope to continue today against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
And it’s Jake Arrieta Day!
Heading into this series, today’s game is probably the one you’d targeted as the one you’d most expect to see the Cubs win, with Arrieta on the mound and Jeff Locke going for the Pirates. It’s worth pointing out that Locke’s had a rough go overall in 2016, but he’s coming off three consecutive quality starts. Of course, if he gives up even three runs in six innings today, that might not be good enough to beat the Cubs with Arrieta on the mound.
Although Locke is a split-neutral lefty for his career, this season, righties have been crushing him. The Cubs didn’t quite overload with righties today, but it’s nice to see Miguel Montero back there with Arrieta on the mound, Anthony Rizzo doesn’t really count as a lefty for these purposes, and Jason Heyward is not really a guy you’re going to sit. So, the lineup shook out thusly.
A win today locks up this series for the Cubs, and gives them five straight wins against the Pirates to open the season.
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Game Info
Pittsburgh Pirates (18-16) at Chicago Cubs (26-8), 1:20 CT on ABC-7, 670 The Score.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down there in the comments, so have fun. But keep it “safe for work” type fun, all right?
The Series Preview lives here. The Lineup Discussion lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Jake Arrieta (R): 1.13 ERA, 2.78 FIP, 3.12 xFIP; 2.75 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Jeff Locke: (L): 4.68 ERA, 4.66 FIP, 4.62 xFIP; 1.15 K/BB
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Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. John Jaso, 1B
2. Andrew McCutchen, CF
3. Gregory Polanco, RF
4. Starling Marte, LF
5. Francisco Cervelli, C
6. Jung-Ho Kang, 3B
7. Josh Harrison, 2B
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Jeff Locke, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jason Heyward, RF
3. Kris Bryant, 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Ben Zobrist, 2B
6. Jorge Soler, LF
7. Addison Russell, SS
8. Miguel Montero, C
9. Jake Arrieta, P