NEWSLETTER
Although the Cubs sixth starter, Adam Warren, pitched yesterday, today’s game is actually the make-up from the Braves series back on April 30.
Sandwiched between a win and a loss, this make-up will now decide who wins the series. I’m guessing both the contending Cubs and rebuilding Braves are rooting for similar outcomes.
Jason Hammel takes the ball for Chicago and pitches to Willson Contreras. Today’s start will be Hammel’s last in the first half, but that may be a blessing in disguise, as he’s fallen on harsh times lately. In six starts since June 4, Hammel has pitched to a 5.60 ERA with a 6.48 FIP. Last time out against the Mets, Hammel allowed 10 earned runs thanks – in part – to five home runs allowed.
He’ll be opposed by journeyman righty Lucas Harrell, who has pitched primarily in the Minor Leagues this season. Although, he did make one decidedly successful start against the Marlins just last week (6.0 IP, 1ER, 3H, 1BB, 5Ks). He doesn’t have particularly strong splits (though lefties do hit him a tad better), but that doesn’t really matter because batters have gotten to him from both sides of the plate.
Given that the Braves are one of the worst teams in baseball and the Cubs are (supposed to be) one of the best, the projections are most likely … oh forget it. Let’s just see what happens.
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Game Info
Chicago Cubs (52-32) at Atlanta Braves (28-57), 7:05 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 Lineup Discussion lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Jason Hammel (R): 3.45 ERA, 4.58 FIP, 4.51 xFIP; 2.52 K/BB
versus
Mets: Lucas Harrell (R): 1.50 ERA, 2.01 FIP, 3.96 xFIP; 5.00 K/BB (6.0 IP)
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Atlanta Braves Lineup:
1. Jace Peterson, 2B
2. Gordon Beckham, SS
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Nick Markakis, RF
5. Adonis Garcia, 3B
6. Jeff Francoeur, LF
7. Tyler Flowers, C
8. Ender Inciarte, CF
9. Lucas Harrell, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Tommy La Stella, 3B
2. Kris Bryant, LF
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Ben Zobrist, RF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Jason Heyward, CF
7. Addison Russell, SS
8. Jason Hammel, P
9. Javy Baez, 2B
