The Chicago Cubs have won eight of their last ten games, including six in a row. A win today would give them their second consecutive sweep and help them keep pace with the also-hot first-place Cardinals. Jake Arrieta is on the mound for the Cubs and Tyler Mahle starts for Cincy. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for the finale.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Joc Pederson, LF
2. Kris Bryant, 1B
3. Javy Baez, SS
4. Ian Happ, CF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Rafael Ortega, RF
7. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
8. Eric Sogard, 2B
9. Jake Arrieta, P
The last time the Cubs faced Tyler Mahle (May 2nd), they tagged him for 6 earned runs over 5 innings. Ian Happ (3-5, HR), Kris Bryant (3-5, 2 HRs), and Javy Baez (2-5, HR) did most of the damage that day and they’re all in there again today. Not in there today? Nico Hoerner, Anthony Rizzo, Matt Duffy, David Bote, Jake Marisnick, or Jason Heyward, all of whom remain out with various injuries. It’s tough out there, man.
Rafael Ortega is playing right field, Patrick Wisdom is the de facto starter at third base, and Eric Sogard is your starting second baseman once again. I have no idea how the Cubs are making this work. This is ridiculous.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (1:20 CT).