NEWSLETTER
Justin Steele has struck out 19 batters over his last two starts (10.2 IP) with just ONE walk during that stretch. That’s a 42.2% strikeout rate with a 2.2% walk rate. LOL. That helps explain the 94.8% strand rate over those two games – strike out that many guys and you’ve earned something ridiculous like that.
But what’s even cooler? His average exit velocity allowed over those two starts is just 84 MPH! Only one ball was barreled up and only four were “hard hit.” He’s a stud.
His last start was against these very Nationals, however, and while it was a good one (6.0 IP, 8H, 2ER, 0BB, 9Ks), it’s usually tough to face the same team back-to-back.
The Cubs didn’t actually face Patrick Corbin in that recent Cubs-Nats series, but either way, he has been STRUGGLING. After back-to-back brilliant outings against the Pirates and Marlins (15.0 IP, 13H, 2ER, 3BB, 16Ks), Corbin has allowed at least 4 earned runs per game for six straight games.
That’s a total of 30 earned runs crossing the plate in 21.2 innings pitched. His average exit velocity over that stretch? 91.2 MPH, with an 11.9% barrel rate and 46.4% hard hit rate. Ouch. Might not be a bad day to bet on a Cubs homer.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (47-67) at Washington Nationals (39-78) – Tuesday, August 16 at 6:05 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
Starting Pitchers
Nationals: Patrick Corbin, LHP
Cubs: Justin Steele, LHP
Chicago Cubs:
- Nick Madrigal, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Franmil Reyes, DH
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Nelson Velázquez, LF
- P.J. Higgins, 1B
- Chris Morel, CF
Washington Nationals:
- Victor Robles, CF
- Joey Meneses, RF
- Luke Voit, 1B
- Nelson Cruz, DH
- Lane Thomas, LF
- Cesar Hernandez, 2B
- CJ Abrams, SS
- Tres Barrera, C
- Ildemaro Vargas, 3B
