Later tonight, the Chicago Cubs will begin a three-game set against the relatively hot Colorado Rockies (they just took back-to-back series from the Pirates and Nationals) at Coors Field.
But while it might feel strange to also call the Cubs “hot,” it is worth pointing out that they’ve scored 25 runs over their past three games, which has led to some possibly surprising news…
The Cubs 5.1 runs scored per game ranks 4th best in the National League.
The Cubs 107 wRC+ ranks 2nd best in the National League.
The Cubs .331 wOBA ranks 2nd best in the National League.… The offense is kinda working.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) April 20, 2018
Hopefully, the Cubs bats take advantage of their trip to Coors Field and keep on crusing (I’m looking at you, Javy Baez (Also, we love you, Kris, but make sure to look better than Nolan Arenado this weekend, eh?)).
Starting for the Cubs tonight is Kyle Hendricks. He’s had one bad start this year, but he rebounded from it nicely, and generally looks just fine. He’ll be opposed by Jon Gray, who’s been off to a slow-ish start result-wise (6.23 ERA), but not by the peripherals (3.64 FIP). Indeed, Gray’s working with a 23-5 K/BB ratio right now, so hopefully, the Cubs bats are ready to make some contact.
How about it, Cubs? Can we get that second series win of the season, yet?
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (8-8) at Colorado Rockies (11-9) – 7:40 CT on WGN, 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: Kyle Hendricks (L): 3.71 ERA, 6.07 FIP; 1.86 K/BB
versus
Cardinals: Jon Gray (R): 6.23 ERA, 3.64 FIP; 4.60 K/BB
Colorado Rockies Lineup:
- D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
- Chris Iannetta, C
- Charlie Blackmon, CF
- Nolan Arenado, 3B
- Gerardo Parra, RF
- Trevor Story, SS
- Ian Desmond, LF
- Ryan McMahon, 1B
- Jon Gray, O
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kyle Hendricks, P