Game Twenty-Six: Cubs (10-15) vs. Padres (9-16)
- Game Time – 7:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: WCIU, MLB Network – Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channels 189/844
- Location – Wrigley Field, Chicago
Edwin Jackson (0-3, 4.76/1.41) vs. Edinson Volquez (1-3, 6.39/1.74)
The Cubs wrap up the first month of the season with their second game against the Padres. After dropping four in a row, the Cubs have won five the last seven and will look to close the month the way it began, with a win.
For all of the Cubs issues over the first month, one thing is certain they have been in every game this season. For the first time in franchise history, the first 25 games of the season have been decided by four runs or less … and 22 of the 25 games have been decided by three runs or less. The Cubs are 9-13 in those games after Monday night’s win.
With Jeff Samardzija completing only five innings on Monday, tonight would be a good time for Edwin Jackson to complete at least seven innings for the first time this season. Dale Sveum used James Russell and Kevin Gregg for multiple innings on Monday and with Scott Feldman going on Wednesday, the pen could use a break.
Edwin Jackson is coming off a no decision against the Marlins, but technically a quality start. Jackson allowed three runs on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts in six innings. While it was technically a quality start, his second in a row, Jackson labored and is in need of a good outing tonight.
The Cubs signed Jackson to keep his team in games and eat innings. For the most part, Jackson has kept the Cubs in each game he has started but has yet to complete seven innings in any of his five starts. The Cubs are 1-4 in games started by Edwin Jackson this season.
For as much as Jackson has struggled this season, his two starts at Wrigley have been even more challenging. Jackson is 0-1 with a 7.15 ERA and a 1.94 WHIP. In 11 1/3 innings over two starts, Jackson has allowed 10 runs, nine earned, on 13 hits with nine walks and 15 strikeouts … but not a single home run.
Edwin Jackson makes his seventh career start against the Padres tonight. Jackson has never beaten the Friars and is 0-3 in eight games, three starts, with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. Jackson faced San Diego one time a year ago and received a no decision after pitching 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball (no runs, six hits, three walks and six strikeouts).
Padres Career Numbers against Edwin Jackson
- Yonder Alonso – 3-for-6 with two doubles
- Alexi Amarista – 0-for-2
- Kyle Blanks – 1-for-4
- Everth Cabrera – 2-for-7 with a double, a triple and a walk
- Chris Denorfia – 4-for-6 with a home run and a walk
- Chase Headley – 2-for-11
- Nick Hundley – 2-for-6 with a walk
- Mark Kotsay – 2-for-9 with a double and three walks
- Carlos Quentin – 5-for-14 with two doubles, a home run and two walks
- Will Venable – 1-for-9 with a home run
- Edinson Volquez – 0-for-2
Edinson Volquez is coming off his best start of the season. Volquez pitched seven innings of shutout ball against the Brewers while allowing only five hits and striking out three. For one of the few times since coming back from his PED suspension, Volquez did not walk a single batter.
The key with Edinson Volquez is patience, especially early in the game. If the Cubs allow him to work, Volquez will issue free pass after free pass. Volquez is not the same pitcher he once was with the Reds. Volquez has walked ten batters in 25 1/3 innings while striking out only 15 batters.
The Cubs will get their first look at Edinson Volquez in a Padres’ uniform. Dale Sveum’s team did not face him a year ago. While he was with the Reds, Volquez owned the Cubs. Volquez is 4-0 in six career starts against the Cubs with a 2.21 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP … at Wrigley Field, 2-0 in three starts with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP.
Cubs Career Numbers against Edinson Volquez
- Darwin Barney – 4-for-9
- Welington Castillo – 0-for-2
- Starlin Castro – 3-for-12 with a double
- Scott Hairston – 0-for-4 with two walks
- Edwin Jackson – 0-for-1
- Cody Ransom – 0-for-2 with a walk
- Nate Schierholtz – 2-for-4 with a double and two walks
- Alfonso Soriano – 1-for-7 with a double and a walk
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …