NEWSLETTER
The Cubs are just a half-game behind the Pirates (for third place in the NL Central), but they can leapfrog them tonight with a win at Wrigley Field. A win tonight would also give the Cubs their third consecutive series victory, which would be nice after having not won a series since the first set of the year.
To get that win, the Cubs are going to need another strong performance out of Keegan Thompson, who’s filling out the rotation for the second time this season, despite otherwise dominating in long relief. Thompson lasted 4.0 innings in his last start, surrendering just 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 2 walks against the Padres. Hopefully, Marcus Stroman will heal up and rejoin the rotation soon. I like Thompson’s potential as a starter, but he just seems to be that much better in relief, when he doesn’t have to hold anything back.
Meanwhile, the Pirates are starting the right-handed JT Brubaker, whom the Cubs chased out of the game after just 3.0 innings back on April 24. He’s gone 5.0 innings in each of his last three starts, however, striking out 16 batters against 5 walks. Lefties have handled Brubaker far better than righties throughout his career. So I’m looking for big games from Happ and Rivas, in particular. GO CUBS.
Game Info
Pittsburgh Pirates (15-20) at Chicago Cubs (14-20) – Tuesday, May 17 at 6:40 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Pirates: J.T. Brubaker (R)
versus
Cubs: Keegan Thompson (R)
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
1. Rafael Ortega, CF
2. Willson Contreras, C
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Seiya Suzuki, RF
5. Alfonso Rivas, 1B
6. Frank Schwindel, DH
7. Patrick Wisdom, 3B
8. Jonathan Villar, 2B
9. Ildemaro Vargas, SS
Pittsburgh Pirates:
1. Josh VanMeter, 2B
2. Bryan Reynolds, CF
3. Ben Gamel, LF
4. Daniel Vogelbach, DH
5. Yoshi Tsutsugo, 1B
6. Michael Chavis, 3B
7. Rodolfo Castro, SS
8. Michael Perez, C
9. Jack Suwinski, RF
