NEWSLETTER
In a short while, the Chicago Cubs will go for their fourth sweep of the season, behind their most trustworthy starter, Jon Lester. Lester’s last start, 5 innings against the Dodgers, wasn’t his best of the year, but he did allow just two earned runs and four hits while walking one, so it was still pretty good.
And, of course, that was his second start in a row against the same team (and that second one was on the road, to boot), none which is never easy to do, so it was actually pretty great.
Also in Lester’s favor, I’m happy to point out that the Twins have the sixth worst wRC+ against left-handers this season and are nearly in the bottom ten in offensive production on the road. ON PAPER … the Cubs should have the advantage.
Also advantageous: Lance Lynn’s splits.
Versus Lefties:Â .366 wOBA
Versus Righties:Â .318 wOBA
Batters of all types can hit Lynn this year – he doesn’t discriminate – but lefties have done a particularly good job and are even striking out and walking at an identical 15.7% pace. The Cubs have loaded the lineup with six lefties (if you include Jon Lester) today, so that bodes well.
In Lynn’s last start, he allowed four earned runs against the White Sox, but he did shut out the Red Sox over five innings just before that. I tend to think that even though he’s not having a great season, Lynn is more than capable of a quality start from time to time. We’ll see if the Cubs have a little more hit-magic in them.
The Cubs are going for the sweep. Let’s see it!
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (46-35) vs. Minnesota Twins (35-44) – Sunday, July 1 at 1:20 CT on WGN, 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): 2.18 ERA, 4.07 FIP; 2.31 K/BB
versus
Twins: Lance Lynn (R):Â 4.81 ERA, 4.14 FIP; 1.72 K/BB
Minnesota Twins Lineup:
- Robbie Grossman, RF
- Eddie Rosario, LF
- Eduardo Escobar, SS
- Brian Dozier, 2B
- Logan Morrison, 1B
- Willians Astudillo, 3B
- Mitch Garver, C
- Jake Cave, CF
- Lance Lynn, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Ian Happ, CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jon Lester, P
