NEWSLETTER
UPDATE: The game is currently under a delay, and the decision on what comes next will hopefully be made around 4:30 pm CT. (CRAP.)
UPDATE 2: The tarp is on the field, the rain is about to start, and the next update is coming at some point after 5 pm CT. Le sigh.
So the Cubs have a great opportunity to punch their third consecutive ticket to the NLCS later today … IF the rain holds up.
You see, the prospect of facing a righty like Tanner Roark (with oh so many lefty/righty splits) in an elimination game on the road (for him) is just so much more enticing than getting Stephen Strasburg on normal rest tomorrow. Hopefully, then, the rain holds up and the Cubs have something to celebrate tonight.
A couple of notes on Roark from Carrie Muskat:
#Cubs Bryant is 5-for-11 (.455) with HR vs Nats' Roark. Heyward is 0-for-18 (but most likely will sub defensively)
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) October 10, 2017
Opposing Roark and the Nationals is a hopefully-well-rested-and-healthy Jake Arrieta. Arrieta, you’ll recall, was the literal pitcher of the month in August, but went on to miss time in September with a hamstring injury that affected his mechanics and, thus, abilities.
If he’s healthy and the weather holds up, the Cubs should have a good chance to clinch at home. If either of those don’t hold true, though, the Cubs could wind up playing tomorrow against Stephen Strasburg (instead of Roark) or in a tough Game 5 matchup in Washington … also against Stephen Strasburg.
Game Info
Washington Nationals (1-2) at Chicago Cubs (2-1) – 4:30 CT on TBS, 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): 3.53 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 4.11 xFIP; 2.96 K/BB
versus
Nationals: Tanner Roark (R): 4.67 ERA, 4.13 FIP, 4.15 xFIP; 2.59 K/BB
Washington Nationals:
- Trea Turner, SS
- Jayson Werth, LF
- Bryce Harper, RF
- Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
- Daniel Murphy, 2B
- Anthony Rendon, 3B
- Matt Wieters, C
- Michael Taylor, CF
- Tanner Roark, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jon Jay, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jake Arrieta, P
