In a little bit, Yu Darvish will make his Wrigley Field debut for the Cubs, and look to build on a strong second start in Milwaukee, where he struck out nine betters and walked just one over 6 innings.
He also allowed just two hits and one earned run in that one – using much more of his robust arsenal – which is why I’m particularly optimistic about today.
WITH THAT SAID, it’s important to point out that the Braves have actually scored the fourth most runs/game in baseball this season (5.67), behind only the Red Sox, Pirates and Angels. Similarly, their 3.50 runs allowed/game ranks 9th. They’ve simply been off to a good start.
On the bright side, today’s starter, Anibal Sanchez is a shell of his former self (6.41 ERA, 0.5 WAR in 2017) and allowed seven hits (including a homer) and two walks in his 5.0 IP during last start against the Rockies in Colorado. I always get nervous when you’re facing someone who used to have it, because they always seem to have solid starts from time to time, but I like the Cubs matchup here, even without Anthony Rizzo or Albert Almora in the lineup.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (6-6) at Atlanta Bravez (7-5) – 1:20 CT on NBC Sports Chicago, 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: Yu Darvish (R): 5.23 ERA, 4.48 FIP; 4.33 K/BB
versus
Braves: Anibal Sanchez (R): 2.25 ERA, 4.53 FIP; 1.60 K/BB
Atlanta Braves Lineup:
- Ender Inciarte, CF
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Nick Markakis, RF
- Kurt Suzuki, C
- Preston Tucker, LF
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Ryan Flaherty, 3B
- Anibal Sanchez, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Kris Bryant, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Yu Darvish, P