I’m just glad they finally gave Sergio Alcántara a chance on the mound.
Brighter notes from yesterday:
- Though Justin Steele struggled, he was at least striking dudes out. If the choice had to be made now, yes, multi-inning-capable reliever would be the role. But it doesn’t have to be made just yet.
- Scott Effross and Trevor Megill had successful appearances out of the ‘pen.
- Frank Schwindel kept hitting.
- Alcántara went yard.
- Wisdom went yard.
- Jason Adam!!!!!! That was awesome.
***
The Diaspora:
Craig Kimbrel struck out the side in Cleveland in a one-inning appearance. Anthony Rizzo doubled in Boston.
Around the Division:
The Brewers won, shrinking their magic number to two. They could theoretically clinch today, but the Cubs would have to beat the Cardinals.
Up Next:
Game 3 already?
***
Whom:
Cubs vs. St. Louis
When:
1:20 PM Chicago Time
Where:
Wrigley Field
Weather:
Temperatures in the sixties, wind blowing out to right at ten to fifteen miles per hour.
Starting Pitchers:
Adrian Sampson vs. Jon Lester
The Opponent:
Lester’s really pulled his year together, sitting at replacement-level with his 5.47 FIP while offering a 4.99 xERA. With St. Louis, his FIP’s 5.54 but his ERA’s only 4.02, so there are probably a few issues being masked there.
The Numbers:
The Cubs are +145 underdogs, with the Cardinals at -170 for an implied Cubs win probability of about 38%. The over/under’s at 10½ and leans towards the under.
Cubs News:
Nothing too major.
Cubs Thoughts:
I’m feeling more sentimental about Lester than I was this spring.
Maybe because he’s good.
