The Cubs won the opener against the Phillies last night, dragging them back down to an ever .500 on the season. With a 3.0 game deficit in the Wild Card race and a 4.5 game deficit in the NL East, the Phillies are hanging on by a thread. Here’s David Ross’ lineup for Game 2 against the lefty Ranger Suarez.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Matt Duffy, 3B
2. Frank Schwindel, 1B
3. Ian Happ, CF
4. Patrick Wisdom, LF
5. Robinson Chirinos, C
6. Alfonso Rivas, RF
7. David Bote, 2B
8. Sergio Alcántara, SS
9. Alec Mills, P
With a lefty on the mound – and Willson Contreras on the bench – Matt Duffy takes over leadoff duties from Rafael Ortega. Duffy is actually struggling quite a bit more against lefties than righties this season, but he’s still probably the best option – all things considered – given what Ross has left in the cupboard.
Following Duffy, as usual, is Frank Schwindel and Ian Happ, but Patrick Wisdom moves up a spot to cleanup with Contreras on the bench. Robinson Chirinos files in after that, Alfonso Rivas gets another start in right with Michael Hermosillo and Jason Heyward out, and the lineup is rounded off by the two middle infielders, David Bote and Sergio Alcántara.
As usual, we’ll have your full Pre-Gamin’ post closer to game time (6:05 CT).