I’m blown away by how much better I feel after yesterday’s win. Obviously, not much has actually changed (the Cubs are still 4.5 games behind the Brewers and are just .500 two games before the break), but The Bryzzo Souvenir Company gave us a ton to cheer about, Kyle Schwarber had a double and a walk in his second game back, and the Cubs signed three of their remaining draft picks – including first-rounder Alex Lange – hours before the deadline.
It was a good day.
Hopefully, Jake Arrieta can help give the Cubs (and their fans) another one just like it, with a good start against the Bucs. Fortunately, his last start (against the Reds) was actually his best (and the Cubs second-best) of the year, with an 82 game score. At the end of the day he allowed just one hit and no runs over 7.0 innings pitched. Plus, he wasn’t wild (2 walks) and he was missing some bats (6 Ks). Please do that again and be the pitcher you’ve been over the past nine starts (3.35 ERA, 3.81 FIP)
Ivan Nova will start against the Cubs today, and he’s done pretty well for the Pirates so far this season (3.24 ERA), despite peripherals that tell a slightly different story (4.05 FIP). Opposite Arrieta, Nova’s last start (against the Phillies) was actually his weakest of the season with a 37 game score. He lasted six innings against the Phillies, but allowed four earned runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out just one batter. He also gave up two home runs in that and eight in his last six games alone. Hopefully, the Cubs’ sluggers come out swinging and blow this game right open from the get go.
If the Cubs don’t win today, they cannot finish the first half above .500.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (43-43) at Pittsburgh Pirates (40-47) – 6:15 CT on FOX, 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): 4.33 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 3.88 xFIP; 3.00 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Ivan Nova (R): 3.24 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 4.17 xFIP; 4.36 K/BB
Pittsburgh Pirates:
- Adam Frazier, 2B
- John Jaso, LF
- Andrew McCutchen, CF
- Josh Bell, 1B
- David Freese, 3B
- Gregory Polanco, RF
- Francisco Cervelli, C
- Jordy Mercer, SS
- Ivan Nova, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jake Arrieta, P