Pre-Gamin’: Cardinals at Cubs (7:05 CT) – Lineup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

June 21, 2016, by Michael Cerami Chicago Cubs

The Cubs lost game 1 last night, but they will soon try again; this time, against Adam Wainwright. And this time, I’ll be there in the bleachers for support.

They can’t lose.

However, the 2016 version of Adam Wainwright isn’t what it used to be – just a 4.78 ERA (3.83 FIP) in his 14 starts (84.2 IP). Even still, I always preach caution against guys like Wainwright.

In any one individual start a veteran of his calibre may find the fastball that’s long been dormant or the command he’s been missing. Basically, don’t take a former ace for granted. He’ll be pitching to Yadier Molina tonight.

Opposing the Cardinals for the Cubs is righty Jason Hammel. Hammel has kept delivering impressive performances (2.26 ERA) despite peripherals (3.53 FIP) that tell another story. Still, even as a true-talent 3.53 FIP guy, you’d love to have him at the back of your rotation. He’ll be pitching to Willson Contreras tonight which is exciting and squares with what we’ve come to expect regarding how often he’ll start.

That said, Miguel Montero’s lefty bat might have been nice against Wainwright (who’s been worse against lefties in his career (.302 wOBA) and especially so this season (.338 wOBA)). Even still, I’m glad to see Contreras in there (and Chris Coghlan leading off, for that matter).

The Cubs need a win tonight to avoid a series loss. Let’s get it.

Game Info

St. Louis Cardinals (36-33) at Chicago Cubs (47-21), 7:05 CT on ABC-7, MLBN 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: Jason Hammel (R): 2.26 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 4.14 xFIP; 2.67 K/BB

versus

Cardinals: Adam Wainwright (R): 4.78 ERA, 3.84 FIP, 4.27 xFIP; 2.77 K/BB

St. Louis Cardinals Lineup:

(I have to leave for the game, but the Cards’ lineup has yet to be posted, so this is just a guess. Feel free to post it in the comments, once its released).

1. Matt Carpenter, 2B

2. Aledmys Diaz, SS

3. Matt Holliday, LF

4. Stephen Piscotty, RF

5. Jhonny Peralta, 3B

6. Yadier Molina, C

7. Brandon Moss, 1B

8. Kolton Wong, CF

9. Adam Wainwright, P