It’s Cole Hamels day again! Everybody ready?
Hopefully, this doesn’t come off as a jinx – if anything, it’s meant to be the opposite – but I keep preparing myself for the inevitably bad start from Hamels for the Cubs, but it hasn’t really happened yet. He did last only 5.0 innings in his last start, but still managed to strike out 8 batters and allow zero earned runs. Plus, that was one game after he went the distance at Wrigley Field against the Reds, so … Yeah, still waiting.
The Brewers, for what it’s worth, have been below average against left-handers this season (95 wRC+), which is right around the middle of the pack league-wide.
Zach Davies (shoulder) is starting opposite Hamels today in what’ll be his first start since May 29th. He’s been on the disabled list and rehabbing for most of the season, but after more than a month-long rehab assignment, he’s ready to get back on the horse. Er, well, hopefully, he’s not and the Cubs blow him up early.
A win today would be #82 and bring the Cubs to a new season-high 26 games over .500. It would also drop the Brewers elimination number by two, so let’s see it.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (81-55) at Milwaukee Brewers (77-61) – Monday, September 3rd at 1:10 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: Cole Hamels (L): 3.70 ERA, 4.45 FIP; 2.87 K/BB
versus
Brewers: Zach Davies (R): 5.23 ERA, 5.29 FIP; 1.82 K/BB
Milwaukee Brewers:
- Lorenzo Cain, CF
- Christian Yelich, RF
- Jesus Aguilar, 1B
- Ryan Braun, LF
- Hernan Perez, 3B
- Jonathan Schoop, 2B
- Erik Kratz, C
- Orlando Arcia, SS
- Zach Davies, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Daniel Murphy, 2B
- Javy Baez, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, RF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Addison Russell, SS
- Victor Caratini, C
- Cole Hamels, P
- Ian Happ, CF