NEWSLETTER
(Update below)
Later today, the Cubs have a chance to win their second consecutive series, which would feel especially nice not only because it comes against the White Sox, but also because it comes after a five-game losing streak.
In fact, if the Cubs win today, they’ll have won five in a row, lost five in a row, and won another five in a row over their past fifteen games. It’s streaky, but you’ll always always always take a 10-5 stretch.
Jon Lester is starting for the Cubs today, which bodes well for the Cubs, because the White Sox are among the worst five teams in wRC+ against southpaws this season. Only the Blue Jays, Red Sox (interesting), Brewers, and Mets have been worse.
As for Lester, specifically, he’s been a little wild lately, walking seven batters over his past two starts (11.0 IP). But, still, he’s mostly kept his opponents off the board (12 earned runs in 38.1 IP) throughout the season. What he’s struggled with most, in my opinion, has been keeping the ball on the ground, so hopefully he can improve on that today and go pretty deep into the game, because he hasn’t made it out of the sixth inning in either of his past two starts.
Starting opposite Lester is James Shields. James Shields hasn’t been James Shields in quite some time (and certainly not this season (5.14 ERA, 4.37 FIP)), but anyone who knows me, knows I *always* get nervous about facing former aces. Former aces, especially ones who’ve faded away simply due to age, always seem to have things click for a start here or there, and when it happens they can be dominant.
Hopefully, that doesn’t happen today, though, and the Cubs can keep pouring on the runs.
The Chicago #Cubs have scored more runs per game this season than any other team in the National League.
1. Yankees: 5.74 RS/G
2. Red Sox: 5.47
3. #Cubs: 5.40
4. Braves: 5.38
5. Angels: 5.18— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) May 12, 2018
UPDATE: Apparently, some bad weather is coming our way, so the start of the game has been delayed:
A system of thunderstorms has developed to our southwest with potential for thunderstorm activity arriving between 1:30-1:45 p.m. CDT.
We’re going to delay the start of the game to allow that potential threat to pass. pic.twitter.com/r4ar35r785
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 12, 2018
UPDATE 2: Expected first pitch is now 3:35 pm CT.
Game Info
Chicago White Sox (9-26) at Chicago Cubs (20-15) – 1:20 CT on ABC-7, 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): 2.82 ERA, 4.81 FIP; 1.82 K/BB
versus
White Sox: James Shields (R): 5.14 ERA, 4.38 FIP; 5.49 K/BB
Chicago White Sox Lineup:
- Adam Engel, CF
- Tim Anderson, SS
- Jose Abreu, 1B
- Matt Davidson, 3B
- Welington Castillo, C
- Jose Rondon, 2B
- Leury Garcia, LF
- Trayce Thompson, RF
- James Shields, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Albert Almora, CF
- David Bote, 2B
- Jon Lester, P
