NEWSLETTER
Brett and I will once again be attending tonight’s game at Wrigley Field, but this time we’ll be taking in the action from the grandstand, not the bleachers. Maybe that will help?
Also at Wrigley Field tonight? Jon Lester, making his third start of the season. Indeed, after a rough debut on Opening Day, Lester bounced back in a big way against the Brewers, going six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and one walk against six strikeouts. Because of that great second start, his early-season numbers are actually really good (2.89 ERA, 2.89 FIP). Let’s see if he can keep it together.
With Lester on the mound for the Cubs, the Pirates have moved Jordy Mercer up in the lineup. For his career, Mercer has handled lefties (124 wRC+) MUCH better than he’s handled righties (79 wRC+), but we’ll see what Lester has in store for him tonight.
As we discussed earlier, the Cubs are going with their “versus lefties” lineup tonight. And that means Albert Almora up top, Ben Zobrist in left, and Kyle Schwarber/Ian Happ on the bench. Perhaps that’ll be enough to crack the southpaw, Steven Brault.
Early and often, gentleman. Let’s get some runs across the board.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (5-5) at Pittsburgh Pirates (8-2)Â – 7:05 CT on WGN, MLBN (out-of-market only), 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: Jon Lester (L): 2.89 ERA, 2.96 FIP; 2.00 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Steven Brault (L):Â 1.13 ERA, 3.20 FIP; 1.40 K/BB
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup:
- Josh Harrison, 2B
- Jordy Mercer, SS
- Starling Marte, CF
- Josh Bell, 2B
- Francisco Cervelli, C
- David Freese, 3B
- Gregory Polanco, RF
- Sean Rodriguez, LF
- Ivan Nova, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Victor Caratini, 1B
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Jon Lester, P
