NEWSLETTER
The win last night might’ve propelled the Cubs into first place, but another one tonight would accomplish quite a bit, as well:
Of course, to get there, they’re going to need a killer start from Tyler Chatwood … or at least one with more innings pitched than walks. In his last start, both Chatwood and Joe Maddon seemed to believe they felt/saw some better things, but boy it was not easy to see for the rest of us (7 walks, 6Ks in 4.2 IP). Chatwood did manage to get a TON of grounders in that one (72.7%) and allowed an extremely low amount of hard contact (9.1%) while getting *plenty* of soft contact (36.4%) … but unless he plans on doing that every time (which he can’t), he can’t walk seven batters.
And even then ….
But who knows, maybe the Cubs bats will jump out to an early lead against Chase Anderson and company. The good news is that even if they don’t, Josh Hader will not be available tonight. I suppose the Cubs just came back against him last night, but let’s not kid ourselves, that’s the exception not the rule (and even then, it was aided by two *very* lucky plays for Ben Zobrist).
In addition to Hader being out, Jeremy Jeffress might not be available tonight either. He only threw 15 pitches yesterday, but threw another 13 the night before. I’m sure they could use him in a pinch, but they might be sensitive to using their closer after deploying him in back-to-back games, both of which wound up as losses. Then again, if the opportunity to shut down the Cubs late is there, the Brewers probably couldn’t resist (especially know that they might then be able to use Hader again tomorrow because of their off-day on Thursday).
Like I said, the Cubs have already won eight of night against the Brewers this season, but I’m greedy. Let’s make it nine of ten and really twist that knife.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (38-25) at Milwaukee Brewers (39-27) – 7:10 CT on NBC Sports Chicago, 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): 3.86 ERA, 4.99 FIP; 0.95 K/BB
versus
Brewers: Chase Anderson (R): 4.57 ERA, 5.81 FIP; 1.65 K/BB
Milwaukee Brewers Lineup:
- Eric Thames, 1B
- Christian Yelich, LF
- Lorenzo Cain, CF
- Travis Shaw, 3B
- Domingo Santana, RF
- Jonthan Villar, 2B
- Manny Pina, C
- Orlando Arcia, SS
- Chase Anderson, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora, CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Tyler Chatwood, P
