MLB
Jon Lester Gets The Nod For Chicago In Wild Card Game Against Rockies
I’ll admit it before anyone the Cubs beat themselves in Game 163 against the Brewers, Terrible at bats not resulting in men on base. Game 163 was the 39th time this season the Cubs had scored only one run. And that stat will loom heavy over Wrigley tonight as the Cubs face off against the Rockies in a one-game elimination for the final NLDS spot. Last time the Cubs played a Wild Card Game they beat the Pirates 4-0 behind the arm of Jake Arrieta. Tonight the Cubs will lean on their ace Jon Lester who is fully rested and ready to go.
Jon Lester Needs To Be On Tonight
We know the Cubs bullpen has been strong for them posting the second best bullpen ERA in the league. Yet the pen has had to deal with many injuries over the course of the season. The biggest loss being Morrow in the closer spot. And also losing Strop in August was a major hit to the Cubs pen. So, the importance of a lengthy Jon Lester start should be the priority. Just for the fact that if the Cubs do win, they’ll have to compete with Milwaukee’s incredible pen. In five career starts against the Rockies, Jon Lester has given up eight earned runs and has gone 31 IP, averaging out to 6.2 IP a start. Jon in his last seven starts has a 1.96 ERA, 41.1 IP, 9 ER, 36/12 SO/BB. It should be an exciting pitchers duel in today’s game.
Jon Lester Final Line(Prediction)- 6.0 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB and 6 SO
Cubs Offense Is The Key To The Game Today
I think the key to the game for the Cubs today is to simply hit. The Cubs season rests on what the Cubs offense does today in support of Jon Lester. Cubs offense has certainly been odd this year. The Cubs lead the league in shutout victories, but also lead the league in come from behind wins as well. And also had 39 games where the Cubs offense only scores one run. It’s odd to have those type of numbers associated with one team. However, the Cubs offense can be as good as the rest when hot. Kyle Freeland has done very well this season for Colorado. And will be a good test for the Cubs offense.
