The Brewers have kept things undesirably tight here at the end of the season, but the Cubs have a chance to reduce their magic number down t 4 tonight. Here’s the lineup for game 2 against the Pirates.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Daniel Murphy, 2B
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Mike Montgomery, P
There’s nothing particularly unusual about today’s lineup, as Joe Maddon continues to bat Kris Bryant lower in the order (perhaps to prevent him/his shoulder from an additional plate appearance) with some combination of Murphy, Zobrist, Rizzo, and Baez up top.
He did move the pitcher, Mike Montgomery, out of the eighth spot, though I’m not sure if this will be another medium-term-permanent change or just something special for tonight.
We’ll discuss Chris Archer’s recent stats later today in the Pre-Gamin’ post, but it’s worth pointing out that lefties have hit him much better than righties have this season and for his career. Hopefully, then, Murphy, Zobrist, Rizzo, Schwarber, and Heyward can make him uncomfortable for most of the night.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ closer to game time (7:05 CT).