Whoa. I just woke up. Does anybody know what happened yesterday? I think the Cubs had a game, but maybe it got canceled. Yeah, actually, I’m sure it got canceled, because they’re playing two today, so it must be a makeup. Good thing nothing at all happened yesterday, I had the weirdest nightmare the Cubs lost by a kajillion runs at home against the Cardinals.
But, nah. Must’a been a dream.
The Cubs are playing two games today and this is your Pre-Gamin’ for Game One. This is also your reminder that it’s very difficult to sweep both halves of a double-header, so try to keep your expectations in check.
DOUBLE-HEADER DAY:
Joe Maddon: Sweep both halves.
Anthony Rizzo: ….
Joe Maddon: Do you have a problem with that?
Anthony Rizzo: No, sensei. pic.twitter.com/DjRafEFjPR— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) July 21, 2018
Especially in this first game where Tyler Chatwood will get the ball after back-to-back games where Cubs’ starters have come out early and the entire bench is in the starting lineup. I don’t usually set such a low bar, but it sure feels like winning this first game would feel like a bit of a steal, so let’s keep our fingers crossed for that.
Of course, it’s not like this Cubs lineup isn’t still very good. And remember, with seven lefties in there, it has an extreme platoon advantage against the Cardinals righty Luke Weaver. Weaver’s been blown up by left-handers this season, so if that trend holds true, the Cubs should be in good shape. Keep in mind, though, that he’s also been very good in general. Over his last two starts, Weaver has 14Ks to 2BBs in 14.0 IP. That was against the Giants and White Sox, so not the best teams in baseball, but still – that’s good stuff. I’d like to see it end.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (56-39) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (49-47) – 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: Tyler Chatwood (R): 5.04 ERA, 5.20 FIP; 1.04 K/BB
versus
Cardinals: Luke Weaver (R): 4.72 ERA, 4.03 FIP; 2.67 K/BB
St. Louis Cardinals:
- Matt Carpenter, 1B
- Yadier Molina, C
- Paul DeJong, SS
- Marcell Ozuna, LF
- Tommy Pham, CF
- Kolton Wong, 2B
- Dexter Fowler, RF
- Greg Garcia, 3B
- Luke Weaver, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ian Happ, CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Tyler Chatwood, P