If the Cubs win today, they’ll move to a new season-high 23 games over .500 and could even create their biggest lead in the NL Central all year (depending on how the Cardinals and Brewers’ games shake out). I’ll be at the game today, so I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes. Or you could just watch it on TV if you’re, like, really impatient I guess.
But I gotta say, I’m feeling pretty good about the matchup. Kyle Hendricks has been pitching much better lately, and has gone at least six full innings in four of his last five starts (the one he missed? 5.2 IP). He allowed a ton of hits his last time out (10), but walked just one batter and allowed just 2 earned runs overall. Without a ton of grounders or much weak contact, Hendricks probably got a little lucky that time out, but I still believe he’s trending up. I suppose we’ll find out shortly.
Homer Bailey, meanwhile, is having a bit of a nightmare season, with his 6.21 ERA and 5.65 FIP through 17 starts. He’s given up four or more earned runs in 9 of his 17 starts this season and none of those appearances lasted more than 5.1 IP. Of course, his last start was a 6.0 IP, 3ER quality start against the Brewers, but he ultimately took the loss in that one anyway. Thanks for trying, I guess. We’ll see which Bailey we get today, but my bet is the Cubs can get to him.
Did I say bet? I meant hope.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (75-53) vs. Cincinnati Reds (56-74) – Sunday, August 26th 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: Kyle Hendricks (R): 4.04 ERA, 4.08 FIP; 3.41 K/B
versus
Reds: Homer Bailey (R): 6.21 ERA, 5.65 FIP; 2.13 K/BB
Cincinnati Reds:
- Billy Hamilton, CF
- Jose Peraza, SS
- Scooter Gennett, 2B
- Eugenio Suarez, 3B
- Scott Schebler, RF
- Phillip Ervin, LF
- Tucker Barnhart, 1B
- Curt Casali, C
- Homer Bailey, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Murphy, 2B
- El Mago, SS
- Tony, 1B
- Willy the Beast, C
- J-Hey, RF
- Boat, 3B
- Schwarbs, LF
- Hendo, P
- Tico, CF