Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Reds – 09/17/07

Rich Hill (9-8, 3.91/1.20) vs. Bronson Arroyo (9-14, 4.31/1.39)

Only 12 games left…. The Cubs open their final homestand of the regular season tonight against the very dangerous Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs have played better ball over the last week but have a very challenging 6 games ahead of them. Half of the Cubs remaining games are against the Reds, a team they have struggled against all year and one that has beat them in 7 of the first 12 games. If the Cubs do not finish the season with at least a .500 record against the Reds, they will have plenty of time in the off-season to figure out how to beat them next year.

The offense must score early and often against this team. They must work the counts, make the Reds’ starter work and get into the Reds’ bullpen as soon as possible….but it all starts with Rich Hill. Rich Hill picked up an impressive win his last time out against the Astros. Hill worked 7 strong innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks. Hill struggled in his first two starts of the month after a good August. Hill is 1-1 in his last 3 starts with a 6.00 ERA.

Hill is 5-2 in 13 starts at Wrigley this year with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Tonight will be Hill’s 3rd start of the season against the Reds, he is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP.

Bronson Arroyo has been very impressive of late. He has won his last 2 games in a row and has not allowed more than 3 earned runs in a single outing since August 12th in San Diego. He beat the Cardinals his last time out….1 run on 6 hits in 6 innings. Arroyo is 2-1 in his last 3 starts with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP.

The Cubs will get their fourth look of the season at Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo dominated the Cubs in 2006 but has been a little more human this year. Arroyo is 0-2 in 3 starts with a 2.53 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. The Cubs must be patient against Arroyo and make him work. When Arroyo gets comfortable, he is unbeatable.

Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball….