NEWSLETTER
The Cubs have lost three straight for the first time this year, even though it’s felt like about 20 straight. The bats are not producing, and, worse, they don’t look like they’re just missing out on the runs. It’s been ugly swings, poor discipline, and soft contact. I suppose things can click in an instant, but it’s hard not to be in a valley right now.
Tyler Chatwood is starting for the Cubs this afternoon, and, if you recall, he was our Cubs pitcher to watch this series. Because after a sloppy, but tantalizing start to the 2018 season – wherein he walked five or more batters in three of his first give games – Chatwood settled down his last time out and tossed a gem against the Brewers: 7.0 IP, 2H, 0ER 3B, 4Ks. If he can just string a couple of low-walk starts in a row, he’ll really be someone to watch the rest of the season.
Results-wise, Luke Weaver’s 2018 season hasn’t gotten off to the best start (5.17 ERA), but he’s got some solid peripherals (3.51 FIP). However, it’s not all peachy. For one, unlike yesterday’s starter, Miles Mikolas, who had walked just two batters all season before yesterday’s game in which he dominated the Cubs, Weaver has already walked 14 batters this year (10.4 BB%), which is nearly half his number of strikeouts (30). He has done a good job of limiting hard contact, though, so, again, unlike yesterday, when attacking was understandable, the Cubs might be better off remaining a little patient.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (16-13) at St. Louis Cardinals (18-12) – 1:15 CT on ABC-7, MLB.TV Free Game of the Day, 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: Tyler Chatwood (L): 2.83 ERA, 4.03 FIP; 1.23 K/BB
versus
Cardinals: Luke Weaver (R): 5.17 ERA, 3.51 FIP; 2.14 K/BB
St. Louis Cardinals Lineup:
- Tommy Pham, CF
- Matt Carpenter, 3B
- Jose Martinez, 1B
- Marcell Ozuna, LF
- Yadier Molina, C
- Dexter Fowler, RF
- Paul DeJong, SS
- Kolten Wong, 2B
- Luke Weaver, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Tyler Chatwood, P
