It’s been a real pleasure helping the struggling Braves regress back to a near-.500 record, but I’d like that to end, like tonight. Maybe the offense can even try to score a couple runs. I don’t know. Just spitballing.
You know what else would be nice? If Kyle Hendricks could string together back-to-back quality starts for the first time this season, considering that he’s the nominal ace of this staff, but has alternated good and bad starts all year:
4/01 vs. PIT: 3.0 IP, 4H, 3ER, 3BB, 4Ks
4/07 vs. MIL: 6.0 IP, 4H, 0ER, 1BB, 6Ks
4/18 vs. ATL: 4.0 IP, 7H, 7ER, 3BB, 2Ks (4 first-inning homers)
4/23 vs. MIL: 6.0 IP, 6H, 2ER, 1BB, 6Ks
The last time he faced the Braves, they hit four first-inning homers of Hendricks, who ultimately allowed 7 earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched at Wrigley Field that day. He’s also already walked 8 batters this season, which matches his total over 12 starts and 81.1 IP in 2020. He’s just got to be better. Like, right now. Tonight. Go Cubs.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (10-13) at Atlanta Braves (11-12) – Wednesday, April 28th at 6:20 CT on Marquee Sports Network, FS1, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Braves: Huascar Ynoa (R)
versus
Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (R)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Matt Duffy, 3B
4. Kris Bryant, LF
5. Jason Heyward, RF
6. David Bote, 2B
7. Jake Marisnick, CF
8. Nico Hoerner, SS
9. Kyle Hendricks, P
Atlanta Braves:
1. Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B
3. Marcell Ozuna, LF
4. Ozzie Albies, 2B
5. Dansby Swanson, SS
6. Austin Riley, 3B
7. Guillermo Heredia, CF
8. Alex Jackson, C
9. Huascar Ynoa, P