If the Cubs don’t want to go down 3-1 in this season series against the Indians, they better win tonight. Then again, if that happens, I’m pretty sure they’ll be fine in the final three games of the series.
Jon Lester takes the mound tonight, coming off one of his best starts of the year, when he flashed the kind of good pitcher he can still be in his mid-30s: own both sides of the plate, limit hard contact, get ground balls, no walks. More of that, please.
On the other bump is 26-year-old righty Adam Plutko, who’s been pitching very well at AAA this year (after stinking there last year), and had one good start against the Blue Jays earlier this year. May the Cubs please and thanks give him some things that he’ll have to adjust to in his next start.
Game Info
Cleveland Indians (23-23) at Chicago Cubs (25-20) – 7:05 CT on NBC Sports Chicago, MLBN, 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): 2.52 ERA, 4.35 FIP, 2.10 K/BB
versus
Indians: Adam Plutko (R): 3.68 ERA, 6.79 FIP, 6.00 K/BB (one start)
Cleveland Indians Lineup:
- Francisco Lindor, SS
- Michael Brantley, LF
- Jose Ramirez, 3B
- Edwin Encarnacion, 1B
- Melky Cabrera, RF
- Yan Gomes, C
- Jason Kipnis, 2B
- Rajai Davis, CF
- Adam Plutko, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Jon Lester, P