Game One Hundred Thirty-One: Cubs (83-47) vs. Pirates (67-62)
- Game Time – 7:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: WGN-TV, MLB Network – Radio: WSCR 670 The Score, Cubs Radio Network, XM Radio Channels 186, 844
- Location – Wrigley Field, Chicago
Kyle Hendricks, RHP (12-7, 2.19/1.00/3.37) vs. Chad Kuhl, RHP (3-1, 3.50/1.16/4.23)
Weather permitting … The Cubs turn to Kyle Hendricks tonight in the middle game of the series with the Pirates. The Cubs are looking to make it two in a row over the Bucs. And at the same time, Hendricks will need to turn the game over to the pen after giving Joe Maddon at least seven innings.
Maddon had to use several relievers Monday night in the 13-inning, five-plus hour marathon he wanted to stay away from (Travis Wood, Justin Grimm, Trevor Cahill, Rob Zastryzny) and Carl Edwards Jr. had to get hot for the 14th inning when he wasn’t part of the game plan. Maddon will know which relievers will be available tonight. Aroldis Chapman and Felix Pena may be the only two arms available out of the pen once he talks to Chris Bosio.
Miguel Montero is expected to catch Kyle Hendricks tonight. Willson Contreras could use a breather after catching all 13 innings on Monday.
Joe Maddon should run out as many lefties in his starting lineup tonight as possible. Chad Kuhl has limited right-handers to a .628 OPS with a .218/.256/.372 slash line. Left-handers have a .800 OPS while slashing .271/.330/.471 in eight games.
Tonight all starts with Kyle Hendricks …
Kyle Hendricks put together another solid outing his last time out. Hendricks allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and eight strikeouts in six innings to the Padres. Hendricks wasn’t as sharp as he’s been for a majority of the season. Hendricks put his team in position to win the game … and the Cubs beat the Padres 6-3.
The Cubs are 3-2 in Hendricks last five starts. And Hendricks is 3-0 in that span with a 1.53 ERA and 0.82 WHIP. Hendricks has allowed six runs, all earned, on 23 hits with six walks and 32 strikeouts in his last 35 1/3 innings.
Kyle Hendricks gets to pitch at Wrigley tonight. And he’s been really good in his home park this season. Due to his numbers at Wrigley, many think if the Cubs make it to the postseason that Hendricks would be better off starting a game at Wrigley than on the road. Hendricks is 8-1 in 13 games, 12 starts, at home this season with a 1.31 ERA and 0.87 WHIP.
Hendricks faces the Pirates for the second time on the season tonight. Hendricks beat the Bucs back on June 19 at Wrigley. Hendricks allowed one run on seven hits with no walks. Hendricks struck out 12 batters, establishing a new career-high at the time that he equaled on Aug. 13 against the Cardinals.
Kyle Hendricks is 1-1 in five career starts against the Pirates with a 5.40 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.
Pirates Career Numbers against Kyle Hendricks
- Gregory Polanco: 6-for-14 with two doubles and one home run
- Starling Marte: 2-for-9 with two walks
- Josh Harrison: 4-for-10 with one double and one home run
- Jordy Mercer: 4-for-10
- Andrew McCutchen: 1-for-8 with one walk
- Francisco Cervelli: 1-for-5 with one double
- John Jaso: 0-for-3
- Sean Rodriguez: 1-for-3 with one home run
It’s another day and another rookie starting pitcher taking on the Cubs. Chad Kuhl makes his second appearance against the Cubs tonight and the Pirates are hoping for a better performance from the young right hander … but the same result. Kuhl was pulled after 2 1/3 innings and allowing four runs on seven hits to the Cubs on July 9. The Pirates won the game 12-6.
Kuhl is coming off a no-decision in Milwaukee. Kuhl allowed two runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. The Pirates won the game 3-2. Kuhl has posted five straight quality starts and the Pirates are 4-1 in his last five games in the big leagues.
Kuhl is 2-1 in his last four starts with a 2.96 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. And outside of PNC Park, Kuhl is 1-0 in four starts with a 2.22 ERA and 0.86 WHIP.
Cubs Numbers against Chad Kuhl
- Kris Bryant: 0-for-1 with one walk
- Willson Contreras: 2-for-2
- Jason Heyward: 2-for-2
- Anthony Rizzo: 1-for-2 with one triple
- Ben Zobrist: 1-for-2 with one home run
- Javier Baez: 1-for-1 with one double
- Addison Russell: 0-for-1
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …