If the Cubs don’t win tonight, they’ll be at risk of falling into last place of the NL Central tomorrow … to a team that began the season 3-22. Just think about that as you’re watching the game this evening.
Making matters worse, the Cubs clearly had some trouble with the velocity of Luis Castillo last night, and they’re getting more of it today with Hunter Greene on the mound. His four-seamer averages nearly 99 MPH (yes, really) and he’s got a 98 MPH sinker, as well. He’s been hit just fine this season, but he’s still striking out nearly 29% of the batters he faces, and again, these very Cubs struggled with premium velocity just last night.
Of course, on the flip side Justin Steele is on the mound following a really impressive stretch of baseball. He’s got a 3.64 ERA over his last five starts, all of which have been at least 5.0 IP and his last outing wasn’t NEARLY as bad as the final line looks, as he struck out 8 batters, walked none, and was supported by one of the worst defensive Cubs games in a while.
With the game set at home (and Cincinnati as a pretty average offense overall against lefties), I think Steele could be in store for another good night. Let’s hope.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (26-48) at Chicago Cubs (28-46) – Wednesday, June 29 at 7:05 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Reds: Hunter Greene, RHP
Cubs: Justin Steele, LHP
Chicago Cubs (Lineup Discussion):
- Rafael Ortega, LF
- Willson Contreras, C
- Ian Happ, DH
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Nelson Velázquez, RF
- Alfonso Rivas, 1B
- David Bote, 2B
- Christopher Morel, CF
Cincinnati Reds:
- Jonathan India, 2B
- Brandon Drury, DH
- Tommy Pham, LF
- Joey Votto, 1B
- Kyle Farmer, SS
- Donovan Solano, 3B
- Albert Almora Jr., RF
- Nick Senzel, CF
- Aramis Garcia, C