Kyle Hendricks was scratched from his most recent start, in part because he wasn’t feeling well, but largely because of the concern over COVID-19. He’s feeling better now, though, with several negative tests in the bank and a big rubber match against the Braves at Wrigley Field on ESPN tonight.
***
After a rough 2021 debut on Opening Day (with lower-than-normal velocity), Hendricks bounced back with a really nice performance against the Brewers with six strikeouts and just one walk over six scoreless innings on the 7th. If we see that guy again today, I think the Cubs will have a very good shot (even if they don’t somehow hit six homers again).
***
Unfortunately, the Cubs cannot get back to .500 with a W tonight, but they can win the series against a pretty good team, and after the offensive explosion yesterday, I think that’d feel pretty darn good.
Five series, five rubber matches for the Chicago #Cubs.
Cubs v. Pirates: Cubs win
Cubs v. Brewers: Brewers win
Cubs v. Pirates II: Pirates win
Cubs v. Brewers II: Brewers winCubs v. Braves: ?
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) April 18, 2021
Game Info
Atlanta Braves (6-9) at Chicago Cubs (6-8) – Sunday, April 18th at 6:08 CT on Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Braves: Bryse Wilson (R)
versus
Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (R)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Ian Happ, CF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Kris Bryant, 3B
5. Joc Pederson, LF
6. Javy Baez, SS
7. Jason Heyward, RF
8. David Bote, 2B
9. Kyle Hendricks, P
Atlanta Braves:
1. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Marcell Ozuna, LF
4. Travis d’Arnaud, C
5. Dansby Swanson, SS
6. Ehire Adrianza, 2B
7. Austin Riley, 3B
8. Guillermo Heredia, CF
9. Bryse Wilson, P