NEWSLETTER
Tonight, the Chicago Cubs look to win game two of this set against the Cardinals, and this is the group that’ll try to keep the high offensive times rolling.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Hendricks, P
After breaking out of his mini-slump with a homer and a four-RBI night, Kris Bryant returns to the third spot in the order behind table-setters Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward after getting a day off on Friday. If any duo is set up to get on base in against Carlos Martinez, it’s Zobrist (.280 average in 27 PA against Martinez) and Heyward (.296 average in 29 PA). And behind the on-base guys, the Cubs send heavy hitters Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras — each of whom have .583 slugging percentages against Martinez in their respective careers.
On base plus slugging. I can dig it. Especially considering Martinez’s recent bouts with wildness (12 BB in 7.2 IP) in two starts since returning from the DL.
Ian Happ stays in the lineup after homering last night to open up the scoring. Happ is 3-for-9 in his career against Martinez, including a home run (the first of his career) and a triple. Here’s hoping Happ can keep hammering out the hits under the arch
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:15 CT).
