NEWSLETTER
Although the Cubs lost on Monday, that game was just the final tilt of a previously rained out series. Which means, with their win yesterday, the Cubs can win this series tonight!
Tyler Chatwood is starting for the Cubs in this one, and here’s hoping he’s figured out his command problems, because if not, he’s in trouble (he’s walked five batters in each of his last two starts).
On the bright side, the Braves’ 8.9% walk rate ranks around the middle of the pack, but if Chatwood is giving them too many free passes, it’s their overall production (111 wRC+, 1st in NL), including an MLB-leading .267 batting average and NL-leading .445 SLG percentage, that he’ll remember.
Starting opposite Chatwood is Braves’ righty Brandon McCarthy. McCarthy has had a rough go of it this summer, allowing a 5.58 ERA (5.04 FIP) through eight starts and 40.1 innings pitched. Indeed, in his last start (against the Marlins), McCarthy allowed six earned runs on 11 hits (2 HRs) and 2 walks over 5.0 IP. And, hey, if the Marlins can do it …
Albert Almora is leading off tonight – against a righty – and Willson Contreras is cleaning up. Ian Happ is covering right field for Jason Heyward, who’s still not back from the concussion DL, and everything else is in its usual place. Let’s go, Cubs. Get that series win.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (22-17) at Atlanta Braves (25-16) – 6:35 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: Tyler Chatwood (R): 3.35 ERA, 4.18 FIP; 1.19 K/BB
versus
Braves: Brandon McCarthy (R): 5.58 ERA, 5.03 FIP; 2.00 K/BB
Atlanta Braves Lineup:
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Ronald Acuña Jr., LF
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Nick Markakis, RF
- Tyler Flowers, C
- Ender Inciarte, CF
- Johan Camargo, SS
- Ryan Flaherty, 3B
- Brandon McCarthy, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ian Happ, RF
- Tyler Chatwood, P
