NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs just have one chore today: Sweep.
After an oddly brutal 1-6 stretch of baseball, the Cubs won their series against the Reds yesterday (in extremely weird fashion) and are going for the sweep today. Given the 28 (or so) hours between the time this game is likely to end and Thursday’s matchup with the Mets begins, a win this afternoon would be especially nice.
Taking the ball for Chicago, is righty Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks has had a very good season overall, but a not-so-good start last time out against the Marlins. Despite a seemingly fine final line – 5IP, 1H, 0ER, 4BB, 5Ks – Hendricks watched four runs cross the plate, before departing (the benefit of an Addison Russell error, eliminated the “earned” part of the runs he allowed). A bounce back today against the Reds will be quite welcomed.
This beforenoon (is that a thing? is it just called “the morning?”), Hendricks will pitch to Willson Contreras, who is getting just his fourth start behind the plate (one less than his combined starts in left field and first base). Separately, Jason Heyward gets the day off, so the lineup is shifted up a spot, with Kris Bryant batting second and Albert Almora Jr. (taking on the center field duties) batting ninth.
With lefty Cody Reed on the mound for the Reds, the Cubs have eight right handed hitters and Anthony Rizzo to greet him at the plate. Hopefully they can score as many runs as they did last night in far less time.
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Game Info
Chicago Cubs (50-26) at Cincinnati Reds (29-49), 11:35 CT on WGN, 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: Kyle Hendricks (R): 2.76 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 3.58 xFIP; 3.39 K/BB
versus
Reds: Cody Reed (L): 6.75 ERA, 5.13 FIP, 3.13 xFIP; 3.00 K/BB
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Cincinnati Reds Lineup:
1. Billy Hamilton, CF
2. Joey Votto, 1B
3. Brandon Phillips, 2B
4. Jay Bruce, RF
5. Adam Duvall, LF
6. Eugenio Suarez, 3B
7. Jose Peraza, SS
8. Tucker Barnhart, C
9. Cody Reed, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ben Zobrist, RF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Willson Contreras, C
5. Javy Baez, 2B
6. Matt Szczur, LF
7. Addison Russell, SS
8. Kyle Hendricks, P
9. Albert Almora Jr., CF
