NEWSLETTER
I was reminded on Twitter earlier today, that I haven’t been wearing my lucky, Cole-Hamels-complete-game-Jell-O-shot-infused shoes lately, and that’s why the Cubs have been losing. My bad. I’m still 4-0 while wearing them, so I’ll be sure to have them on tonight. Scout’s honor.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have drawn Chris Archer tonight, which, well, maybe isn’t as scary as it once was. Obviously, formerly dominant pitchers can always channel the best version of themselves on any given night *and* the offense has been struggling of late, but Archer has been struggling too.
Since joining the Pirates, Archer has a 4.86 ERA (4.30 FIP) through nine starts. From what I can tell, he’s mostly just been hit hard during this stretch and that’s what’s gotten to him. Unfortunately, that’s not exactly good news for the Cubs. You see, Archer may not have the results, but he does have 51 strikeouts against just 16 walks in his last 46.1 IP (a.k.a. his time with the Bucs). And he’s struck out 8 in each of his last two games, while walking a combined 3. Of course the Cubs would draw him just as he begins turning things around.
But hey, it’s not all up to the offense (mercifully). Mike Montgomery has a say in this game too and he’s coming off a very strong performance against the Diamondbacks: 6.0 IP, 4H, 1ER, 1BB, 8Ks. If he repeats that sort of effort tonight, the Cubs should be well-positioned to shrink their magic number down to 4.
And if the stupid Cardinals would do themselves a favor, that number could shrink down to 3.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (91-65) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (79-76) – Tuesday, September 25th at 7:05 CT CT on WGN, MLBN, 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): 3.75 ERA, 3.90 FIP; 2.16 K/BB
versus
Pirates: Chris Archer (R): 4.49 ERA, 3.84 FIP; 3.63 K/BB
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup:
- Adam Frazier, 2B
- Pablo Reyes, RF
- Josh Bell, 1B
- Francisco Cervelli, C
- Corey Dickerson, LF
- Jose Osuna, 3B
- Jordan Luplow, CF
- Kevin Newman, SS
- Chris Archer, P
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
