The Cubs have won seven straight games and now get to host the worst team in baseball. Rationally speaking, that’s a very good thing. Be rational, Brett …
Chicago Cubs Lineup:Â
- Ben Zobrist, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jason Heyward, CF
- David Bote, 2B
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Cole Hamels, P
It’s a familiar lineup, as it’s the same crew as last night, albeit shifted around, and with Kyle Schwarber replacing Albert Almora, Jr. That’s a logical flip, with lefties faring quite a bit better against Sandy Alcantara this year – more slugging, way fewer Ks – than righties. (That fact also suggests Daniel Descalso, who isn’t starting again, is probably still feeling the effects of his sore ankle.)
The Cubs faced Alcantara in Miami a few starts ago, handling him to the tune of five earned in six innings, with seven hits and a walk. You can’t take too much from a single start, but there was a lot of hard contact in that one (together with a lot of whiffs). Swing hard when you get into an advantageous count, gents.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (7:05 CT).