The Cubs are trying they’re very best. It’s just not working that well.
Starting for the Cubs this afternoon is a surging Jake Arrieta. Over his last four starts, Arrieta has recorded a 2.63 ERA with a 28.4 K% and a 7.4 BB%. That’s still slightly more walks than he gave up from 2014-2015, but overall that’s really, really good. His success also coincides with a recent mechanical adjustment – which we discussed at length here – so I’m really hoping this has all just been the start of a trend.
Starting opposite Arrieta is the guy who’s name is really fun to say with an Italian accent: Antonio Senzatela … even though he’s from Venezuela. Go ahead, give it a try out loud. You’ll see. Senzatela has made 12 starts this season, and has gotten moderately good results (3.56 ERA) with peripherals that are not nearly as strong (4.38 FIP). He’s also been far less effective against left-handers for his career (.317 wOBA) than righties (.285 wOBA), so we’ll see if that plays out today with five lefties in the lineup for the Cubs (but not Kyle Schwarber).
Getting swept at home in four straight is not ideal. Let’s avoid that, yes?
Game Info
Colorado Rockies (41-23) at Chicago Cubs (30-31) – 1:20 CT on WGN, 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: Jake Arrieta (R): 4.46 ERA, 3.94 FIP, 3.59 xFIP; 3.80 K/BB
versus
Rockies: Antonio Senzatela (R): 3.56 ERA, 4.37 FIP, 4.42 xFIP; 2.29 K/BB
Colorado Rockies:
- Charlie Blackmon, CF
- D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
- Carlos Gonzalez, RF
- Mark Reynolds, 1B
- Ian Desmond, LF
- Trevor Story, SS
- Pat Valaika, 3B
- Tony Wolters, C
- Antonio Senzatela, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jon Jay, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Miguel Montero, C
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jake Arrieta, P