Although it isn’t literally a must-win game tonight against the Reds, it … well … it’s kinda like that game. It’s a cousin, maybe.
Like I said this morning: Consider that the Cubs have Jose Quintana going tonight in game two of a four-game series against a terrible team, after having already lost the first game. They are likely going to have to go with a bullpen day tomorrow, and then their Sunday starter is up in the air, too, with Tyler Chatwood’s wife expecting. Moreover, the Cubs are facing a struggling pitcher tonight, and will be facing two pitchers who’ve been having more success this weekend. Baseball is silly and weird, of course, but after losing last night, if the Cubs want a good shot at splitting this series (at a minimum), they’ve gotta win tonight.
Jose Quintana has generally pitched well all season against teams not from Atlanta, but he’s had trouble the third time through the order, when batters are blasting him to the tune of .368/.463/.632. You wonder why Joe Maddon’s had such a quick hook with him this year? That’s why.
As for Luis Castillo, after a breakout in 2017 (beware, the kid has good stuff), he’s been torched this year, primarily via the long ball. If the Cubs don’t go deep on him tonight – probably twice – it’s going to be an extreme disappointment.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (42-30) at Cincinnati Reds (29-45)- 6:10 CT on WGN-9, 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: Jose Quintana (L): 4.06 ERA, 4.27 FIP; 2.09 K/BB
versus
Reds: Luis Castillo (R): 5.77 ERA, 5.17 FIP; 2.45 K/BB
Cincinnati Reds Lineup:
- Jose Peraza, SS
- Alex Blandino, 2B
- Joey Votto, 1B
- Eugenio Suarez, 3B
- Adam Duvall, LF
- Jesse Winker, RF
- Curt Casali, C
- Luis Castillo, P
- Billy Hamilton, CF
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Albert Almora, CF
- Chris Gimenez, C
- Jose Quintana, P