The Cubs won last night’s opener in Houston thanks mostly to Kris Bryant and Jon Lester, and they’ll look to take the series today.
John Lackey makes his second start after missing time with a shoulder injury. He looked good last time out, but was limited to 76 pitches. He could go a little deeper today if he’s looking just as good this time around. Health remains the paramount consideration, though.
If you’re among the folks who want to see the Cubs clinch the NL Central in St. Louis in the early going next week, then you want to see the Cubs win at least one more in Houston. That’ll ensure that the Cubs will at least have a chance to clinch in St. Louis.
[adinserter block=”1″][adinserter block=”10″]
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (90-50) at Houston Astros (74-67) – 12:05 CT on FOX, 670 The Score
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down in the comments, so let’s have some good, clean (safe-for-work) fun this afternoon.
The Series Preview lives here. The Lineup Discussion lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: John Lackey (R): 2.61 ERA, 3.65 FIP, 3.57 xFIP; 3.49 K/BB
versus
Astros: Collin McHugh (R): 5.06 ERA, 4.52 FIP, 3.80 xFIP; 4.38 K/BB
[adinserter block=”2″]
Houston Astros Lineup:
- George Springer, RF
- Alex Bregman, SS
- Jose Altuve, DH
- Yulieski Gurriel, 3B
- Marwin Gonzalez, 2B
- Colby Rasmus, LF
- A.J. Reed, 1B
- Jason Castro, C
- Jake Marisnick, CF
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Jorge Soler, LF
- Miguel Montero, DH
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Tommy La Stella, 2B