NEWSLETTER
The Cubs may go undefeated in the second half of the season, but will it be worth it if I have a heart attack first?
I kid, of course, but boy was that game something else. Hopefully, the offense keeps up that pace and Jake Arrieta makes a nice, long, quality start. And hey, he’s been on a bit of a nice streak lately – ever since a mechanical adjustment back in May – so maybe he will.
Opposing Arrieta is Orioles’ southpaw Wade Miley. Miley has moved around a bit since debuting with the Diamondbacks back in 2011, but he’s never quite replicated the success of his 2012 season (4.1 fWAR). Indeed, those struggles have continued into this season, and by the sight of his 5.04 FIP, he’s earned his 4.97 ERA.
In any case, the key to the Cubs’ success today might rely upon their patience. Miley has a 12.4% walk rate, so just sitting back and taking their free passes will be huge.
Okay, Cubs. You can win the first series of the second half with a win today, and I know we’d all appreciate that. So, you know, do it (and if it’s not too much to ask, can we make it a breezy win?).
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (44-45) at Baltimore Orioles (42-47) – 6:05 CT on ABC-7, 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): 4.35 ERA, 4.17 FIP, 3.98 xFIP; 2.91 K/BB
versus
Orioles: Wade Miley (L): 4.97 ERA, 5.04 FIP, 4.53 xFIP; 1.57 K/BB
Baltimore Orioles:
- Adam Jones, CF
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Jonathan Schoop, 2B
- Chris Davis, 1B
- Mark Trumbo, DH
- Trey Mancini, LF
- Seth Smith, RF
- Caleb Joseph, C
- Ruben Tejada, SS
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jon Jay, DH
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
