NEWSLETTER
The Cubs lost quite painfully last night, but they’ll have a chance to make it better today. All they really need to do this week is one of these three games, so … you know, why not tonight?
Mike Montgomery is starting for the Cubs this evening, coming off an unusual first start back against the Braves. He lasted just 4.1 innings in that one and allowed 8 hits/4 earned runs, but struck out six and walked just one batter. He also generated a ton of ground balls and a ridiculous number of whiffs, so it’s not entirely clear if that was really all that bad of a start. Perhaps tonight, we’ll learn in which direction the rest of his season is heading.
Starting opposite Montgomery tonight is Brewers lefty Wade Miley. As we discussed in the lineup post, Miley has had reverse splits this season (meaning lefties have hit him better than righties), but that’s not the case for his career. Thus, Anthony Rizzo is the only left-handed batter he’ll see tonight. Meanwhile, Miley has made just 11 starts this season, but has earned a 2.18 ERA throughout. With that said, even a short trip through his peripherals reveals that he doesn’t strike many batters out, gives up his fair share of walks, allows plenty of hard contact and isn’t elite at inducing grounders (though he is plenty good at it). Point being … I’m thinking his 3.72 FIP is much closer to what he deserves than his 2.18 ERA.
But the Cubs have to prove it first.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (81-56) at Milwaukee Brewers (78-61) – Tuesday, September 4th at 7:10 CT on CSNC, 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: Mike Montgomery (L): 3.82 ERA, 3.87 FIP; 2.03 K/BB
versus
Brewers: Wade Miley (L): 2.18 ERA, 3.73 FIP; 1.77 K/BB
Milwaukee Brewers:
- Lorenzo Cain, CF
- Christian Yelich, RF
- Jesus Aguilar, 1B
- Ryan Braun, LF
- Hernan Perez, 3B
- Travis Shaw, 3B
- Erik Kratz, C
- Orlando Arcia, SS
- Wade Miley, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Albert Almora Jr., CF
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Kris Bryant, LF
- David Bote, 3B
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Mike Montgomery, P
- Addison Russell, SS
