The Cubs Yu Darvish beat the Cardinals last night, which was absolutely HUGE for Chicago. Realistically, they now need to win just two of these last four games to make this weekend a success. And, hey, they can do that today with the double-header on tap. Here’s how David Ross will line them up for Game 1.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Kris Bryant, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Javy Baez, SS
5. Kyle Schwarber, DH
6. Willson Contreras, C
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. Steven Souza Jr., LF
9. Nico Hoerner, 2B
Adam Wainwright is on the mound for the Cardinals in game 1 and he’s actually been pretty good this season (2.65 ERA). With that said, his FIP is a full point higher because his strikeout rate is still under 20%. With a 37.9% fly ball, he could fall victim to the home run ball, especially if the wind is blowing out at Wrigley, but he’s done a pretty good job limiting the hard contact this year (87.2 MPH). I can’t believe he’s still doing his thing. But here we are.
As for the lineup … there’s only one thing that matters today: IAN HAPP IS BACK!
The Cubs leadoff hitter (and best hitter of the season) is back after taking a foul ball off his face/eye a couple nights ago. The Cubs won in his absence last night, as Kyle Schwarber filled in up top, but I’m glad to have him back. He’s a huge piece of this roster and lineup and his absence for an extended period of time would’ve been felt.
Other than that, we’ve got Nico Hoerner at 2B and Steven Souza Jr. in left, with Kyle Schwarber at DH.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (4:15 CT).