NEWSLETTER
Inhale, exhale, repeat.
The Cubs didn’t quite put together their strongest performance last night (offensively, defensively, or on the mound), but we’ve discussed that game to death. It’s in the past, and so is the other Cubs’ loss. Tonight, on the other hand, is new life for the North-siders and a win would even the series 2-2.
Taking the ball for Chicago is veteran righty John Lackey. Lackey’s last start came in Game 4 of the NLDS – which was arguably one of the most memorable games in a while … unfortunately, Lackey would probably rather forget that performance. Through 4.0 innings, he allowed three earned runs on seven hits and two walks against four strikeouts. But, if Luis is onto something (like he usually is!), Lackey may be in for a nice bounce back.
Taking the ball for the Dodgers is the rookie 20-year-0ld left-hander Julio Urias. Urias didn’t make a start in the NLDS (Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill made two starts a piece, the third went to Maeda), but he did toss 2.o innings of relief against the Nationals. Therein he surrendered no earned runs on just 1 hit and 2 walks. And overall, he’s pitched just 10.2 innings since September 2, so there’s some hope that the rust will show early on. I took a look at Urias’ season and chances against the Cubs earlier today, so check out that piece for more.
First pitch is at 7:08 CT. Hopefully, the Cubs can score early and often, so that I don’t have to plan any visits to my local heart doctor at 24 years old.
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Game Info
Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers (LAD lead 2-1) – 7:00pm CT on FS1, 670 The Score, ESPN Radio
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down in the comments, so let’s have some good, clean (safe-for-work) fun.
The Series Preview lives here. The Lineup Discussion lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: John Lackey (R): 3.35 ERA, 3.81 FIP, 3.80 xFIP; 3.40 K/BB
versus
Dodgers: Julio Urias (L): 3.39 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 3.69 xFIP; 2.71 K/BB
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Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Chase Utley, 2B
- Corey Seager, SS
- Justin Turner, 3B
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Josh Reddick, RF
- Joc Pederson, CF
- Yasmani Grandal, C
- Andrew Toles, LF
- Julio Urias, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Addison Russell, SS
- John Lackey, P
