The Cubs and Cardinals kick things off at 6:08 CT tonight, which is a full hour before the Reds and Brewers get things going in Milwaukee. Hopefully, then, the Cubs can take an early lead and ride it directly into their second-consecutive NL Central title, while clinching in front of the Cardinals in St. Louis.
To do so, however, they’ll have to beat the reverse-split righty Michael Wacha in his 30th start of the season. Wacha has failed to go six full inning in either of his last two starts (including one against the Cubs: 5.2 IP, 6H, 3ER, 5BB, 7Ks), but did toss an eight-inning shutout against the Pirates back on September 10.
That one featured seven strikeouts and no walks, with just five hits given up over 8.0 innings. So, sure, the Pirates aren’t the Cubs, but Wacha clearly has the ability to throw a gem from time to time.
Opposing Wacha for the Cubs is John Lackey, who may very well be making the very last start of his Major League career (depending on how the postseason rotation shakes out). My guess is that he pitches again at some point this October, but yeah, this could be it for him.
Lackey went just 4.0 innings in his last start against the Brewers, allowing three earned runs on six hits (including two homers) and two walks against just one strikeout. Hopefully, he’s a bit better tonight against the Cardinals (as he tends to be) and the Cubs get to clinch.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (88-69) at St. Louis Cardinals (82-75) – 6:08 CT on CSN-C, ESPN, 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: John Lackey (R): 4.67 ERA, 5.39 FIP, 4.61 xFIP; 2.84 K/B
versus
Cardinals: Michael Wacha (R): 4.00 ERA, 3.63 FIP, 3.90 xFIP; 2.78 K/BB
St. Louis Cardinals:
- Matt Carpenter, 2B
- Tommy Pham, LF
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Jedd Gyorko, 3B
- Jose Martinez, 1B
- Paul DeJong, SS
- Randal Grichuk, RF
- Carson Kelly, C
- Michael Wacha, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jon Jay, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Rene Rivera, C
- John Lackey, P