NEWSLETTER
Twice this season (before today), the Chicago Cubs have won five games in a row. But both times, they failed to extend the winning streak to six. What’s that famous saying? Third time’s the charm. Let’s hope so.
Jose Quintana is starting for the Cubs today, and he’s coming off a series of mediocre starts, wherein he’s allowed between 2 and 4 runs in roughly 5.0 innings every time out. Each start has been good enough to keep the Cubs in the game, but none have been strong enough to win without significant offensive contributions.
Also of note: The Tigers happen to be one of the best offenses against left-handers this season (109 wRC+, 7th in MLB), so it might not be too easy for Q.
And maybe it won’t be that easy for the Cubs offense either. Francisco Lirano is starting for the Tigers today and he’s been very good against the Cubs in his career (3.27 ERA, 10.8 K/9). He’s also coming off a quality start in Toronto (6.0 IP, 3ER), but he has been far more wild than usual lately (13.0% walk rate).
Given the way the Cubs offense has been clicking lately, I wouldn’t be surprised if they got to him early. Maybe they’ll finally make it to six.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (48-35) vs. Detroit Tigers (38-49) – Wednesday, July 4 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: Jose Quintana (L): 4.31 ERA, 4.50 FIP; 2.00 K/BB
versus
Tigers: Francisco Liriano (L): 3.99 ERA, 4.99 FIP; 1.44 K/BB
Detroit Tigers:
- Mikie Mahtook, LF
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Jeimer Candelario, 3B
- John Hicks, 1B
- Niko Goodrum, 2B
- Jacoby Jones, CF
- James McCann, C
- Jose Iglesias, SS
- Francisco Liriano, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, LF
- David Bote, 3B
- Victor Caratini, 1B
- Jose Quintana, P
