NEWSLETTER
You know who’s been just swell lately? Jon Lester. And guess what?! He’s starting this afternoon!
In his last start, Lester lasted 6.0 innings against the Cardinals, allowing just two earned runs (two solo homers) on five hits, 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts. That start was his sixth in a row of at least six innings pitched and he allowed more than two earned runs only once during that stretch. If the Cubs need him to do anything today, though, it’s simply last deep into this ball game. With an extra-inning game yesterday, their two best relievers on the DL, and no off-days in sight, the Cubs bullpen just needs to throw as little as possible. And that starts with Lester.
Opposing Lester and the Cubs is Dodgers righty Ross Stripling. Stripling has been very good this season as you can tell by his 1.76 ERA and 2.42 FIP, and even though he’s split time between the bullpen and rotation, his numbers are pretty much fantastic in both roles. Indeed, in both of his last starts (Giants and Braves), Stripling lasted into the seventh inning and allowed just four earned runs combined. He also walked none and struck out 12 during those two games, so … yeah. He’s been good.
But also, who cares? Go beat him, Cubs.
Game Info
Los Angeles Dodgers (38-34) at Chicago Cubs (41-29) – 1:20 CT on WGN, MLBN (out-of-market), 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): 2.28 ERA, 4.19 FIP; 2.46 K/BB
versus
Dodgers: Ross Stripling (R): 1.76 ERA, 2.41 FIP; 7.09 K/BB
Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup:
- Chris Taylor, SS
- Enrique Hernandez, CF
- Justin Turner, 3B
- Matt Kemp, LF
- Logan Forsythe, 2B
- Max Munch, 1B
- Yasmani Grandal, C
- Yasiel Puig, RF
- Ross Stripling, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Javy Baez, SS
- Jon Lester, P
