Last weekend, the Pirates handed the Chicago Cubs their first (and only) series loss of the season – a three game sweep in Chicago. Tonight – after taking the first two games in very different ways – the Cubs can return the favor.
[adinserter block=”1″]
Starting on the mound for the Cubs is lefty Jon Lester. Lester has gotten off to a great start this season, having earned a 2.66 ERA (2.73 FIP) and 0.6 WAR through his first four starts. Extrapolate that out over a full season and he’d be something like a 4.5 – 5 WAR pitcher once again.
Yesterday, the Pirates started four left-handed/switch-hitters to try to tackle Kyle Hendricks on the mound. But against the lefty tonight, that changes. John Jaso and Alen Hanson are out, and Josh Bell will hit from the right side of the plate. Thus, the sole lefties will be Gregory Polanco and the pitcher Tyler Glasnow (he bats lefty, throws righty).
Speaking of Glasnow, tonight will mark his fourth start of the season, although I’m guessing he hopes it goes a bit better than his first three (7.94 ERA, 4.44 FIP). Last most recent start, against the Yankees, was actually his best of the season according to the game score. Still, although he allowed only one earned run, he lasted just 4.2 IP and gave up seven hits and two walks in the process. Glasnow has been pretty split neutral for his career.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (12-8) at Pittsburgh Pirates (8-12) – 6:05 CT on CSN-C, 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 today.
The Series Preview lives here. The Lineup Discussion lives here.
[adinserter block=”2″]
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Jon Lester (L): 6.19 ERA, 5.84 FIP, 4.11 xFIP; 1.86 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Tyler Glasnow (R): 7.94 ERA, 4.40 FIP, 4.68 FIP; 1.44 K/BB
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup:
- Josh Harrison, 3B
- Jordy Mercer, SS
- Andrew McCutchen, CF
- Gregory Polanco, LF –
- Francisco Cervelli, C
- Jose Osuna, RF
- Josh Bell, 1B
- Phil Gosselin, 2B
- Tyler Glasnow, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jon Lester, P
- Jon Jay, CF
While you wait:
Big sale today at Fanatics – stock up on your Cubs gear, my friends. https://t.co/QU68chH8sc #ad pic.twitter.com/gHUfLL5bX0
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) April 26, 2017