For the third time (out of four tries) this month, the Cubs have won the first game of a series.
Unfortunately, in each of their first two tries, they were unable to capitalize on the head start and lost the remaining games both times.
Hopefully, tonight goes much different:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Ian Happ, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Javy Baez, SS
- Alex Avila, C
- Jon Lester, P
The Cubs just crushed Patrick Corbin and the Diamondbacks for 16 runs back on August 1, unfortunately, they’ll be unable to replicate that lineup tonight.
Indeed, Addison Russell and Willson Contreras combined to go 4-8 with two doubles and two walks that night, but both are out with injuries (and could be for a good while longer). Of course, they weren’t the only (or even primary) fire power that evening.
Instead, Javier Baez, Ian Happ, Anthony Rizzo (twice!), and even Jon Lester (!!) all went deep in that contest, and every one of them is in the lineup again tonight. Hopefully, the results are similar and the Cubs are able to come out on top.
Other than that, with a lefty on the mound, Albert Almora (who crushes southpaws) is leading off. He doesn’t have the (new) traditional on-base skills at the top of the order, but he runs well, makes contact, and, like I said, has done well against lefties in the past.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time.