NEWSLETTER
In the absence of baseball (grumble), Marquee Sports Network is re-running the top-14 games from the Chicago Cubs historic 2016 World Series run. And since I freakin’ love that idea, I thought we might play along by posting regular Pre-Gamin’ posts before each and every one.
This is the fourth televised event – Game 1 of the NLDS was Wednesday, Game 2 was Thursday, the series clinching Game 4 was Friday, and the memorable Game 1 of the NLCS was Saturday. Marquee skipped games 2 and 3 of the NLCS, moving right along to Game 4 of the NLCS last night, which leaves Game 5, the last one at Dodger Stadium, for tonight.
From now on, we’ll pretend like we’re back on that night. Mostly.
HUGE. A total swing in the odds. Everything you needed out of this week.
That’s the best way to describe the Cubs Game 4 victory in Los Angeles last night. With that win, the Cubs have guaranteed that this thing will head back to Wrigley Field, where Kyle Hendricks has dominated all season long. Of course, he’ll likely have to square up against Clayton Kershaw in that one – with the series on the line, one way or another – but we’re getting way ahead of ourselves.
First thing’s first: Jon Lester versus Kenta Maeda square up in a Game 1 re-match, this time in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately for the Cubs, Lester’s road ERA this season (3.17) is far higher than what he’s posted at home (1.74 ERA) in roughly the same number of innings this season – and I expect the Dodgers will try to small-ball him all night. But unfortunately for the Dodgers … Jon Lester lives for moments like this. He is undoubtedly the guy I want on the mound tonight, and not just because the Dodgers produced an MLB-worst 71 wRC+ against left-handed pitching this season.
If the Cubs manage to squeak out a win tonight, they’ll head back to Wrigley Field to potentially clinch their first trip back to World Series – in front of their hometown fans, no less – for the first time since 1945. Come on, Lester. Do your thing. You too, offense. Stay alive. Let’s go. We need this.
Go Cubs.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL PRE-GAMIN’ POST FROM THAT NIGHT.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (2-2) at Los Angeles Dodgers (2-2) – Monday, March 23rd at 7:00 CT on Marquee Sports Network
Or … watch the condensed game right here:
Starting Pitchers
Dodgers: Kenta Maeda (R)
versus
Cubs: Jon Lester (L)
Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Kiké Hernández, 2B
- Justin Turner, 3B
- Corey Seager, SS
- Carlos Ruiz, C
- Howie Kendrick, LF
- Adrián González, 1B
- Yasiel Puig, RF
- Joc Pederson, CF
- Kenta Maeda, P
Chicago Cubs:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Javy Báez, 2B
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Addison Russell, SS
- David Ross, C
- Jon Lester, P
