NEWSLETTER
Losing game one against the Phillies was … not great. I’ll be honest.
Not only do the Cubs have to now win two straight to take this series, they’ll have to do it on the road, with John Lackey, and against one of the better pitchers in baseball tomorrow (Aaron Nola). Suffice it to say, if they can’t find a way to win today, a sweep at the hands of the Phillies is possible.
But hey, who knows. Kyle Hendricks is on the mound today and he’s sporting a 2.45 ERA (3.49 FIP) since returning from the disabled list. He hasn’t struck many batters out lately, but he did get the walks under control in his last one after walking seven batters in the two games before that. If he can command his fastball without dipping down to that 84-85 MPH range, he’ll probably be successful once again.
On the other bump you’ll find Blake Lively. Lively, you’ll recall, is married to Ryan Reynolds and is known for her roles in The Town, Gossip Girl, and The Age Adaline (wherein, no one was quite sure of her age, I think).
She’s also got a 3.70 ERA (4.38 FIP) through eight stats this season, but has had a HORRENDOUS time striking batters out (10.3%). She doesn’t walk many either (7.4%) but that’s basically an afterthought with a K-rate that low. Because of very few strikeouts, batters have hit .280 off Lively this summer, which would be among the ten worst in baseball, had she pitched enough innings to qualify.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (68-59) at Philadelphia Phillies (47-80) – 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: Kyle Hendricks (R): 3.52 ERA, 4.14 FIP, 4.17 xFIP; 2.53 K/BB
versus
Phillies: Ben Lively (R): 3.70 ERA, 4.38 FIP, 5.75 xFIP; 1.40 K/BB
Philadelphia Phillies:
- Cesar Hernandez, 2B
- Freddy Galvis, SS
- Nick Williams, RF
- Rhys Hoskins, LF
- Tommy Joseph, 1B
- Maikel Franco, 3B
- Pedro Forimon, CF
- Jorge Alfaro, C
- Ben Lively, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jon Jay, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Alex Avila, C
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Hendricks, P
