Game One Hundred Twenty-One: Cubs (69-51) vs. Braves (53-69)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: ABC-7 – Radio: WBBM 780, Cubs Radio Network, XM Radio Channels 183, 844
- Location – Wrigley Field, Chicago
Dan Haren (8-8, 3.63/1.13/4.87) vs. Williams Perez (4-4, 4.34/1.50/4.91)
The Cubs turn to Dan Haren for the third of four games with the Braves this afternoon. Dan Haren has pitched to expectations since the trade with the Marlins. Haren is going to give up home runs. If he could complete six innings each time out moving forward and post quality starts every five days, the Cubs could not ask for more out of their fifth starter.
Dan Haren is averaging five innings over his first three starts. The Cubs need more over the next six-plus weeks.
The Cubs get a look at another one of the young arms in the Braves’ organization today. Williams Perez has good stuff, but has troubling commanding it. Teams make a lot of contact against Perez, when he throws strikes, which has been a real issue at the big league level. Perez has given up 75 hits with 37 walks in 74 2/3 innings in the majors with only 46 strikeouts. The Cubs should have plenty of opportunities to put runs on the board. Unless Joe Maddon gives one of his regulars a breather this afternoon, he should run out a lineup similar to the one he has the last two days.
Today all starts with Dan Haren …
Dan Haren makes his fourth start in his second appearance in a Cubs’ jersey at Wrigley Field. Haren is coming off a short-outing on the South Side and took the loss against Chris Sale. Haren was matched up against arguably the best left-handed starter in the game and he was out to prove a point last Sunday. Sale had an incredible outing in what will be the biggest game he pitches in this year. Haren allowed three solo home runs that accounted for all of the Sox runs in a 3-1 Cubs loss.
Haren has given up three earned runs in each of his first three starts with the Cubs. Haren has also served up six home runs. Haren is going to give up a longball or two today. He must limit those to solo homers.
Dan Haren is 1-1 in three starts with the Cubs. Haren has allowed 10 runs, nine earned, on 19 hits with three walks and 13 strikeouts in 15 innings (5.40 ERA, 1.47 WHIP). Haren makes his 11th career start against the Braves today, and the second of this season.
Haren is 7-2 in 11 games, 10 starts, versus the Braves with a 4.29 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Haren beat the Braves in Atlanta on April 15. Haren allowed two runs on three hits with two walks and five strikeouts in seven innings. The Marlins beat the Braves 6-2.
Braves Career Numbers against Dan Haren
- Nick Markakis: 5-for-26 with two doubles, one home run and two walks
- Michael Bourn: 5-for-16 with two doubles and three walks
- Jonny Gomes: 3-for-17 with one double
- A.J. Pierzynski: 5-for-16
- Freddie Freeman: 1-for-10 with two walks
- Cameron Maybin: 2-for-11 with one home run and one walk
- Nick Swisher: 2-for-9
- Andrelton Simmons: 1-for-7 with one walk
- Jace Peterson: 0-for-5
Williams Perez makes only the 13th big league start of his career today. Perez struggled in San Diego in his last outing. Perez allowed four runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Perez also walked four batters and struck out two. Perez really struggles with his command and will walk more than his fair share of batters today if the Cubs let him.
Perez is 0-3 in his last three starts with a 4.87 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. Perez has allowed 12 runs, 11 earned, on 21 hits with 10 walks and five strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings.
Williams Perez faces the Cubs for the first time today. The 24-year old right hander is 2-3 in 10 games, seven starts, on the road this season with a save. Perez has given up 22 runs on 45 hits with 25 walks and 22 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings.
No one on Joe Maddon’s active roster has faced Williams Perez in a regular season ballgame.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …