Game One Hundred: Cubs (52-47) vs. Rockies (43-55)
- Game Time – 1:20pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: WGN-TV Ch. 9, MLB Network – Radio: WBBM 780, Cubs Radio Network, XM Radio Channels 183, 844
- Location – Wrigley Field, Chicago
Jon Lester (5-8, 3.32/1.20/2.99) vs. Eddie Butler (3-6, 4.77/1.79/5.35)
The Cubs conclude the series and season-series with the Rockies this afternoon. And the Cubs turn to Jon Lester in need of a win. What has been a bad homestand (1-4) has a chance to end on a positive note with a victory over the Rockies. The Cubs are 3-2 in the season-series with the Rockies and the fourth win is a must at this point for the struggling Cubs.
The Cubs could really use for Jon Lester to set a tone early and keep the Rockies off the scoreboard. The Cubs have been placed in a big hole in each of the first two games. Lester must keep the Rockies from scoring at will and give Joe Maddon at least seven innings so he can give the bullpen a break.
David Ross will be behind the plate this afternoon and for the next two days with Jake Arrieta scheduled to pitch the opener at Miller Park. Joe Maddon talked in length Tuesday night about the importance of the offense stepping it up. Will Maddon shake up his batting order? Or will Maddon stick with the same starting lineup that has not gotten the job done?
Today all starts with Jon Lester …
Outside of the start against the White Sox, it has been a good month for Jon Lester. And dating back to June 14 he has six quality starts in eight outings. Lester left the game Friday against the Phillies with a 3-2 lead but the bullpen could not preserve the win. Lester allowed two runs on seven hits without a walk and six strikeouts in seven innings.
Over his last five starts, Lester is 1-2 with a 1.53 ERA and 0.76 WHIP. Lester has allowed nine runs, six earned, on 23 hits with four walks and 36 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings.
Lester makes his 13th start of the year at Wrigley Field today. Lester is 3-6 in the first 12 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. In his home park, Lester has allowed 32 runs, 28 earned, on 73 hits with 18 walks and 72 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings.
Today marks just the second time in the regular season Jon Lester has started a game against the Rockies. Lester lost to the Rockies back on June 22, 2010 at Coors Field. Lester allowed one run on six hits with a walk and six strikeouts in six innings.
Rockies Career Numbers against Jon Lester
- Carlos Gonzalez: 1-for-6
- Drew Stubbs: 0-for-5 with one walk
- Michael McKenry: 1-for-3 with one double
The Cubs get their first look at Eddie Butler this afternoon. Butler pitched rather well against the Reds in his return to the big leagues. After a start against Miami on June 5 in which he allowed six runs on 11 hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings, Butler was sent to Triple-A. The Rockies recalled him for the start against the Reds.
Eddie Butler allowed three runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts over six innings to the Reds.
As is the case with Rockies’ pitchers, Butler has better games outside of Coors Field, Butler is 2-3 in seven road starts this season with a 3.89 ERA and 1.67 WHIP.
The Cubs must make Butler work. He will walk more than his fair share of batters if the Cubs are patient against the right hander.
No one on Joe Maddon’s active roster has faced Eddie Butler in a regular season big league game.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …