The Cubs are debuting a new pitcher (or two!) tonight, as Cole Hamels takes the mound in his first start with the team and Brandon Kintzler makes his way to Pittsburgh to do the same. Er, well, from the bullpen.
Hamels got blown up a bit his last time out and has actually allowed 25 runs over his past five starts, so let’s hope all that change of scenery stuff is for real. We can wipe the slate clean, right? Random note: Hamels hasn’t faced many lefties this season, but they’re actually hitting him a bit better than righties. The same isn’t exactly true for his career, but lefties basically hit him as well as righties. So, I guess … keep that in mind.
Nick Kingham is starting for the Pirates tonight and he, too, was blown up his last time out to the tune of six earned runs in just 3.0 innings pitched. But he’s only given up 17 earned runs in his last 25.0 IP, so, like, he’s obviously much better.
Don’t lose, Cubs. Just, you know, don’t. Please? Thanks.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (61-45) at Pittsburgh Pirates (56-52) – Wednesday, August 1st at 6:05 CT on 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: Cole Hamels (L): 4.72 ERA, 5.20 FIP; 2.71 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Nick Kingham (R): 4.80 ERA, 5.19 FIP; 3.06 K/BB
Pittsburgh Pirates:
- Jordan Luplow, LF
- Starling Marte, CF
- Gregory Polanco, RF
- David Freese, 3B
- Francisco Cervelli, C
- Josh Harrison, 2B
- Jose Osuna, 1B
- Jordy Mercer, SS
- Nick Kingham, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Ian Happ, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Cole Hamels, P
- Addison Russell, SS