Yesterday, Kyle Hendricks and the Chicago Cubs completely shut down the Pittsburgh Pirates, guaranteeing yet another series win against the divisional foes.
Tonight, they’ll go for their third series sweep against them on the season … and I’ll be there in Aisle 6, Row 10. Come say hi!
Jason Hammel takes the ball for the Cubs, after an abbreviated outing in Los Angeles, in which he threw just 2.1 innings and less than 40 pitches. That outing, of course, came after another shortened performance in Colorado, in which the Cubs veteran right hander lasted just 3.1 innings, while allowing six earned runs on ten hits and two walks. Hopefully, Hammel returns to the pitcher he’s been most of the season and tosses a gem tonight to help complete the sweep.
Opposing Hammel and the Cubs is righty Ryan Vogelsong. Vogelsong has started in just seven games this season, working to a 3.02 ERA (4.51 FIP) in the process. It’s something of a minor miracle that he’s back and pitching at all after the injury he suffered earlier this year to his face.
Most notably for tonight’s game purposes, however, he has had serious struggles against left handed batters this year. Southpaws have collected a .376 wOBA against Vogelsong this season, while righties have had just a .260 wOBA. Perhaps now, the move to recall and start lefty Tommy La Stella one day ahead of roster expanding makes a little more sense.
First pitch is at 7:05 CT. See you there!
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Game Info
Chicago Cubs (84-47) at Pittsburgh Pirates (67-63), 7:05 CT on CSN-C, ESPN, 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): 3.21 ERA, 4.32 FIP; 4.32 xFIP; 2.64 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Ryan Vogelsong (R): 3.02 ERA, 4.51 FIP, 4.70 xFIP; 1.86 K/BB
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Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup:
1. Josh Harrison, 2B
2. Josh Bell, 1B
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Gregory Polanco, RF
5. Starling Marte, LF
6. Francisco Cervelli, C
7. Sean Rodriguez, 3B
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Ryan Vogelsong, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Jorge Soler, LF
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. Addison Russell, SS
7. Tommy La Stella, 2B
8. Willson Contreras, C
9. Jason Hammel, P