NEWSLETTER
Because of their come-from-behind win yesterday, the Cubs are once again in a position to improve their record to a season-best 15-games over .500. And because the Brewers lost yesterday, another favorable outcome today could bring the Cubs within 0.5 games of first (they still have the same number of losses, mind you).
But despite my constant reminder of the standings, I’m starting to think it’s time to forget about the Brewers for a couple of weeks and just focus on the Cubs. Winning series one-by-one is all you can do, and they have one on the line today. Let’s settle in and see if Jon Lester can repeat his performance against the Reds on May 18, when he held them to one earned run over 6.0 innings and struck eight batters against just one walk. That’s the kind of day I hope were in for.
Also of note: This will be the Cubs third time facing Luis Castillo this season. The first time, he allowed only 1 earned run but walked five in 5.0 innings. The second time, he allowed 3 earned runs, but lasted a little longer (5.2 IP) and walked just one batter against 5 strikeouts. Unfortunately, those were two of his better starts this season, because he’s otherwise struggled a lot. Let’s help him regress back to his averages against the Cubs, eh?
Game time is 1:20. Go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (50-36) vs. Cincinnati Reds (39-50) – Sunday, July 8 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): 2.25 ERA, 4.16 FIP; 2.26 K/BB
versus
Reds: Luis Castillo (R): 5.53 ERA, 4.77 FIP; 2.76Â K/BB
Cincinatti Reds:
- Jose Peraza, SS
- Tucker Barnhart, C
- Joey Votto, 1B
- Eugenio Suarez, 3B
- Scooter Gennett, 2B
- Adam Duvall, LF
- Jesse Winker, RF
- Luis Castillo, P
- Billy Hamilton, CF
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Ian Happ, 3B
- Addison Russell, SS
- Jon Lester, P
