Jeff had a very promising start last outing. He struck out a career-high nine batters and gave up just one run in seven frames against the Phils Monday at Citizens Bank Park. When he's aggressive and going after batters, he's at his best. Let's hope the nibbler has finally turned into a strike-thrower.
The Buc lefty hasn't gone against the Cubs yet this year, and overall he's 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA in four career starts against the Windy City nine. He has been good at PNC Park lately, posting a 4-1 record in nine starts at home, winning his last three starts.
Doubront opened the season with Boston, going 2-4 with a 6.07 ERA in 17 appearances (10 starts) for the Red Sox. He went on the DL, both before being traded to Chicago & then again immediately afterward. The Cubs have an opening or two in next season's rotation, and September is his audition period to claim one.
The 26 year old southpaw's start against the Pirates on Saturday will be his third for the Cubs. His last outing was against Pittsburgh last Saturday, when he gave up two runs on five hits over five innings. The Pirates traditionally have problems against soft-tossing lefties; we'll see how the bats fare tonight.
The Lineup: Josh Harrison 3B, Jordy Mercer SS, Cutch CF, Neil Walker 2B, Russ Martin C, Jose Tabata RF, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Travis Snider LF and Locke P. Starling is still out.
The game begins at 7:05 and be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.
- Numero Uno: Josh Harrison had three hits last night and reclaimed the lead over Justin Morneau in the NL batting race with a .318 BA.
- Lefty Or Not: Travis Snider has a slash of .364/.432/.545 against LHP this year.
- Ouch: Starling Marte is available to pinch run; his elbow injury is still day-to-day.
- Another One Bites the Dust: The Cubs have lost seven in a row; the Pirates have four of those wins. Last night's loss officially eliminated Chicago from the post season.
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