Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Phillies – 04/29/12

Matt Garza (1-1, 3.38/1.05) vs. Kyle Kendrick (0-1, 9.39/2.48)

The Cubs will try to get back in the win column this afternoon behind Matt Garza. The Cubs struggles at Citizens Bank continued Saturday night but a win today would give them a shot to post their first series win at the park that opened back in 2004 (0-7-1 in series at Citizens Bank).

With the short outing from Randy Wells, Dale Sveum will need a long, efficient outing from Matt Garza this afternoon. Michael Bowden helped save the pen but another short outing from a starter would put more strain on a questionable at best bullpen. Lendy Castillo might have to take one for the team if Garza’s road woes continue.

Welington Castillo will make his second straight start this afternoon. Geovany Soto will be available but is not expected to return to the starting lineup before Monday’s finale.

Today all starts with Matt Garza …
Matt Garza has started four games for the Cubs this season. Three have been excellent with one clunker and he’s coming off another start in which he has nothing to show for his effort.

In his last start, Garza held the Cardinals to two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts over seven innings. Garza struggled with his command early before finding a groove and completing seven innings.

Garza admitted after his last outing that he has to step it up on the road. After posting a 6-5 record in 17 starts last year at Wrigley with a 2.46 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, Garza is 1-0 in three home starts this season with a 1.66 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP. The difference between his home and road splits is pretty dramatic. Garza was 4-5 in 14 starts outside of Wrigley a year ago with a 4.56 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP and this season in one start, 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP.

Matt Garza is 1-1 in three regular season starts against the Phillies with a 1.29 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP … at Citizens Bank, 0-1 in one start with a 1.50 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Garza faced the Philly twice last season and was 0-1 with a 1.38 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP.

Phillies Career Numbers against Matt Garza

• Hunter Pence – 4-for-10
• Juan Pierre – 1-for-6
• Placido Polanco – 2-for-14
• Jimmy Rollins – 1-for-11 with a walk
• Carlos Ruiz – 2-for-8 with a walk
• Jim Thome – 1-for-5 with a home run and four walks
• Shane Victorino – 1-for-9 with a walk
• Ty Wigginton – 4-for-19 with a double and a home run

Kyle Kendrick is subbing for the disabled Cliff Lee and is coming off a horrible three inning start in Arizona. Kendrick allowed seven runs on 11 hits with a walk and a strikeout in three innings. Kendrick’s first start of the season did not go as hoped but he should be a lot better today.

Kyle Kendrick was very good last season for the Phillies. Kendrick posted an 8-6 record in 34 games, 15 starts, with a 3.22 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. At home, the 6-foot-3 right hander was 3-5 in 17 games, nine starts, with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.

Today marks Kendrick’s second start against the Chicago Cubs. Kendrick has no record in two games, one start, with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP.

Cubs Career Numbers against Kyle Kendrick

• Jeff Baker – 0-for-2
• Darwin Barney – 0-for-1
• Starlin Castro – 0-for-1
• Blake DeWitt – 0-for-1
• Geovany Soto – 0-for-1
• Ian Stewart – 3-for-10 with a double and a home run

Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …

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