As we discussed earlier, the Chicago Cubs have a shot at extending their season-long winning streak to six games tonight, while completing their second consecutive (and third overall) series sweep of the season. After losing six straight against the Dodgers and Padres, winning six straight right back sure would feel good.
Starting for the good guys tonight is right-handed veteran John Lackey. Lackey is actually coming off his second best start of the season which is good, because three real clunkers came before that (15.1 IP, 13 ER). His last start, however, was a brilliant 7.0 inning effort against the Cardinals, wherein he allowed just 2 earned runs, on 4 hits, 2 walks, and six strikeouts. He’s been unfairly bit by the home run ball this year (jeez, who hasn’t?) but as soon as that HR/FB ratio starts coming down, we may see some prolonged success.
Starting opposite Lackey is right-hander Jose Urena. Urena’s got a 3.80 ERA this season, but his peripherals are utterly terrifying: 5.47 FIP, 5.59 xFIP; 13.6 K%. On paper, the Cubs should be making a lot of contact of Urena tonight, and hopefully it’s of the hard variety.
Let’s get that sweep, gents.
Game Info
Miami Marlins (24-33) at Chicago Cubs (30-27) – 7:05 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.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: John Lackey (R): 4.90, 4.94 FIP, 3.96 xFIP; 3.14 K/BB
versus
Marlins: Jose Urena (R): 3.80 ERA, 5.46 FIP, 5.58 xFIP; 1.56 K/BB
Miami Marlins:
- Dee Gordon, 2B
- Giancarlo Stanton, RF
- Christian Yelich, CF
- Marcell Ozuna, LF
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Derek Dietrich, 3B
- Tyler Moore, 1B
- J.T. Riddle, SS
- Jose Urena, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javy Baez, SS
- John Lackey, P
- Kyle Schwarber, LF