Whether you call it a Frankenstein four-game split or a series victory, a win tonight over the Braves sure feels necessary (at least, for my sanity). After all, the Cubs bursted out of their five-game losing streak with a five-game winning streak against the Marlins and White Sox, but have struggled to convince us that any “changes” or slump-busting maneuvers are here to stay. One win won’t change that, of course, but it sure would make me feel better.
And that goes double with Jon Lester on the mound, who’s results (2.66 ERA) far exceed his underlying performance (4.55 FIP) this season, and not in the cute batted ball data says it’s okay! kind of way. In fact, Lester’s batted ball data is kinda ugly this year, as he currently boasts the highest hard-hit rate of his career, lowest soft-hit rate since 2006. That’s … not good – not when you’re walking 10.6% of batters (highest since 2007) and striking out guys at a 19.2% clip (lowest since 2012).
And it certainly doesn’t help that the Braves offense has been among the best in baseball this season. Woof.
Alright, Cubs. Come on. You’ve scored a combined four runs over the past two games. It’s time to turn it back up.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (22-18) at Atlanta Braves (26-16) – 6:35 CT on WGN, 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: Jon Lester (L): 2.66 ERA, 4.55 FIP; 1.80 K/BB
versus
Braves: Max Fried (L): 6.00 ERA, 8.81 FIP; 4.22 K/BB
Atlanta Braves Lineup:
- Ozzie Albies, 2B
- Ronald Acuña Jr., LF
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Nick Markakis, RF
- Tyler Flowers, C
- Ender Inciarte, CF
- Jose Bautista, 3B
- Johan Carmargo, SS
- Max Fried, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ian Happ, LF
- Jon Lester, P