Well, we’re here: the first day the Cubs can clinch the NL Central.
Here’s the lineup that’ll try:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Mike Freeman, SS
- Jake Arrieta, P
I’m sure you noticed right away, but, yes, there is no Javy Baez and no Addison Russell in the lineup tonight. Baez, of course, took a foul ball off his leg in last night’s game, before leaving in a bit of pain. And Russell went diving into the stands for a foul ball and came up with nothing but nachos. There’s no indication that the latter is hurt, but the former could very well be out because of the injury. Hopefully, we learn more soon.
Other than that, there’s not too many surprises from 1-7: Ben Zobrist leads off and plays second base, Bryzzeras takes the meat of the order, Happ and Schwarber follow with their power bats, and the final three goes Jason Heyward, Mike Freeman, and the pitcher, Jake Arrieta.
If the Brewers lose tonight, the Cubs clinch. If the Cubs win tonight, the Cubs clinch. Hopefully, then, we’ll have something to celebrate before the clock strikes midnight.
Go Cubs, and, as usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:15 CT).