Game Fifty: Cubs (27-22) vs. Marlins (20-32)
- Game Time – 6:10pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: Comcast SportsNet, MLB Network – Radio: WBBM 780, Cubs Radio Network, XM Radio Channels 89, 844
- Location – Marlins Park, Miami
Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 3.76/1.14/3.63) vs. Brad Hand (0-1, 4.50/1.25/2.31)
The Cubs turn to Kyle Hendricks tonight in search of their third win in row.
The Professor is looking to start June with the way he ended May. Hendricks’ turnaround has come at the right time due to the struggles and inconsistencies of the offense. Hendricks will have to keep it up tonight as the Cubs try to figure out lefty Brad Hand.
Jason Hammel gave Hendricks the blueprint to follow with the Marlins. No walks and don’t throw Giancarlo Stanton a hittable pitch.
Joe Maddon should run out an all-right handed lineup tonight with the exception of Anthony Rizzo. And that includes David Ross behind the plate. Hendricks has worked well with Miguel Montero the last two times out. It will be interesting to see how Hendricks and Ross mesh together.
Right handers are hitting .300/.338/.373 against Brad Hand this season while lefties have managed a .205/.244/.244 slash line. The Cubs have not faced a lefty starter since May 15 (Jeff Locke) and are 4-3 in seven games started by left-handed pitchers this season.
Tonight all starts with Kyle Hendricks …
Kyle Hendricks is coming off back-to-back excellent outings and will look to keep it going tonight. Hendricks has pitched with a confidence in each of his last two outings that was missing in his first seven starts of the season. Hendricks allowed a solo home run to Bryce Harper in seven innings during his last start and it was a windblown shot. Hendricks has given up one run on nine hits with two walks and 11 strikeouts over his last 16 innings (two starts).
Kyle Hendricks is 1-0 in his last five starts with a 2.81 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.
Outside of Wrigley Field this season, Hendricks is 1-0 in five starts with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.17.
And Hendricks makes his first career appearance against the Marlins tonight. Dee Gordon (1-for-3) is the only position player on the Marlins active roster that has faced Kyle Hendricks in a regular season big league ballgame.
Lefty Brad Hand made his first start of the season his last time out. Hand lasted five innings against the Pirates and did not allow a run while surrendering just four hits. Hand struck out two without issuing a free pass. Hand made 14 appearances out of the Marlins’ pen before making his first start of the year.
Brad Hand was a swingman for the Marlins’ last season. In 32 games, 16 starts, Hand was 3-8 with a save and a 4.38 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP.
Hand has been better at home than on the road. Hand has allowed six runs on 11 hits with three walks and 14 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings (nine appearances) at Marlins Park.
The Cubs haven’t seen Brad Hand in a regular season game. And only David Ross (0-for-4 with a walk) has stepped in the box against him.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …