NEWSLETTER
I’m heading to the Cubs game tonight, for my third game at Wrigley this season. That doesn’t sound like a lot when I write it down (I’m certainly no Luis), but there’s only been 25 home games this season. Even if I kept up this relatively slow pace for the rest of the year, I’d make it to about 10 games by the end of the regular season. #math
And hey, both games I’ve been to so far have been disastrous rainouts. Like 100% soaked in Chicago rain, rainouts (Opening Night and May 1 against the Phillies). Earlier this week, the forecast called for rain tonight, but so far it looks like we’re in the clear. Hopefully, there’s no more funny business and this game gets off on time.
Starting for the Cubs tonight is right-hander and 2016 NL Cy Young award finalist Kyle Hendricks. By now, you know Hendricks story for 2017: After a rough first three starts, he’s turned things around quite a bit. In fact, in the five games since that slow start, Hendricks has just a 1.82 ERA. His walk rate remains elevated and his strikeout rate is down, but he has recorded a 50% ground ball rate which is pretty great.
Interestingly, righties (.309 wOBA) have hit Hendricks a whole lot better than lefties (.277 wOBA) this season, which stands in stark contrast to his career numbers, where the traditional split is quite present. Perhaps, if that trend continues we’ll dig a little deeper.
Speaking of southpaws, the Cubs will face one tonight in the form of left-hander Matt Moore. Moore dominated the Cubs the last time they saw him (NLDS), but he’s once again struggling and this team can very much handle him. We’ll just have to see if they actually do.
Javy Baez is leading off tonight, as Kyle Schwarber takes a seat. Make sure you read the latest on him and his hot streak, before tonight’s game. See you there.
Game Info
San Francisco Giants (20-27) at Chicago Cubs (23-21)Â – 7:05 CT on CSN-C, MLBN (out of market), 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.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (R): 3.35 ERA, 4.33 FIP, 4.04 xFIP; 2.11 K/BB
versus
Giants: Matt Moore (L): 5.37 ERA, 4.63 FIP, 4.89 xFIP; 2.14 K/BB
San Francisco Giants Lineup:
- Demand Span, CF
- Joe Panik, 2B
- Brandon Belt, 1B
- Buster Posey, C
- Brandon Crawford, SS
- Eduardo Nunez, LF
- Christian Arroyo, 3B
- Mac Williamson, RF
- Matt Moore, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Albert Almora, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ian Happ, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Miguel Montero, C
- Kyle Hendricks, P
