Game Thirty-Nine: Cubs (21-17) vs. Padres (20-20)
- Game Time – 9:10pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: Comcast SportsNet – Radio: WBBM 780, Cubs Radio Network, XM Radio Channels 183, 844
- Location – PETCO Park, San Diego
Tsuyoshi Wada (0-0, -.–/-.–/-.–) vs. Tyson Ross (2-3, 3.94/1.53/3.42)
The Cubs turn to Tsuyoshi Wada tonight in his 2015 debut to end the team’s two-game losing skid. The Cubs gave one to the Padres on Tuesday night. If the Cubs are able to put any runs on the board against Tyson Ross, the defense better make sure they don’t give them back.
Joe Maddon should have a fully rested bullpen tonight to use as he sees fit. Jason Hammel turned in arguably his best performance of the season last night which required Maddon to only need James Russell and Pedro Strop in the eighth. If Wada struggles early, Maddon can mix and match until he gets to the seventh inning. While the bullpen was viewed as the issue in Tuesday’s loss, other than one pitch by Strop, both he and Russell did their jobs.
Tonight all starts with Tsuyoshi Wada …
Tsuyoshi Wada makes his 2015 big league debut and will face the Padres for the second time in his career. Wada posted a 4-4 record in 13 starts for the Cubs last season with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Wada took two starts to settle in a year ago and that was after John Baker talked to Eli Whiteside to get help. Maybe Miguel Montero exchanged a few texts with Baker earlier in the day.
In six rehab starts with Iowa this season, Wada was 1-3 with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. Wada allowed 32 hits with 10 walks and 29 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.
It will be interesting to see how Wada responds tonight to not only being back in the big leagues but also pitching for a team that is expected to win. Chances are it is easier to complete five-plus innings for a last place team.
Wada is still looking for his first Major League road win. Wada was 0-3 in five starts away from Wrigley last year with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP.
Tsuyoshi Wada made his second start against the Padres last July 23 at Wrigley. Wada lasted four innings and gave up five runs on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
Padres Career Numbers against Tsuyoshi Wada
- Matt Kemp: 1-for-5 with one home run
- Yangervis Solarte: 2-for-2 with one triple and one walk
- Alexi Amarista: 0-for-2
Tyson Ross is coming off a short, but effective start against the Nationals. Ross received a no decision in a game the Padres won, 8-3. Ross gave up two runs on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts in five innings. Ross has not given up more than two earned runs in each of his last three starts and four of the last five. Ross is 1-1 in his last three starts with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP.
Tyson Ross’ numbers at PETCO Park this year are not good. Ross is 2-1 in three starts with a 5.06 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.
The Cubs get another shot at Ross tonight. Ross allowed three runs on five hits with five walks and nine strikeouts to the Cubs in 5 2/3 innings back on April 18. The Cubs made Ross work and must not swing at his pitch.
Tyson Ross is 1-0 in three career games, two starts, against the Cubs with a 2.63 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP.
Cubs Career Numbers against Tyson Ross
- Miguel Montero: 5-for-20 with one home run and one walk
- Dexter Fowler: 2-for-7 with one home run and four walks
- Starlin Castro: 2-for-5 with two walks
- Chris Coghlan: 0-for-6
- Anthony Rizzo: 2-for-6
- Jonathan Herrera: 2-for-4
- Kris Bryant: 1-for-1 with two walks
- Jorge Soler: 0-for-3
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …