Despite their best efforts this weekend, the Cubs actually have a chance to win a series … on the road … against a team in their division! That would be the first of the year. Let’s see if this is the group to do it.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Jason Heyward, CF
- Nicholas Castellanos, RF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javy Baez, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Victor Caratini, C
- Tony Kemp, 2B
- Jose Quintana, P
The Pirates are starting right-handed Mitch Keller today, in what will be just the fifth start of this rookie’s career. And as for his first four starts, well, there were two good ones and two bad ones … and I think they’ll be pretty easy to identify:
Start 1: 4.0 IP, 6ER
Start 2: 3.0 IP, 6ER
Start 3: 5.0 IP, 2ER
Start 4: 5.0 IP, 1ER
As for splits: Damage has been done against Keller from both sides of the plate, but righties have gotten the best of him so far: .362/.426/.553 (54 right-handed batters faced). Nonetheless, the Cubs lineup has five left-handed hitters in it tonight, but I’d bet that’s still probably the right call.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:10 CT).