NEWSLETTER
CUBS LINEUP — My head tells me it doesn’t really matter. My heart wants the Cubs to stomp Freddy Peralta and the Brewers into the ground behind a stellar Kyle Hendricks start and win the series.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Cody Bellinger, DH
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Chris Morel, 3B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Miguel Amaya, C
For the second day in a row, Cody Bellinger is at DH instead of right field or first base. Obviously, you don’t want to take Seiya Suzuki or Michael Busch’s bat out of the Cubs lineup, but either guy could act as DH and the defense would be improved with Bellinger in the field. One day at DH is nothing abnormal – rest, rotation, whathaveyou – but two days in a row makes me feel like Bellinger probably has a little something going on.
Milwaukee Brewers Lineup:
- Brice Turang, 2B
- William Contreras, C
- Christian Yelich, LF
- Willy Adames, SS
- Jake Bauers, 1B
- Rhys Hoskins, DH
- Sal Frelick, CF
- Jackson Chourio, RF
- Andruw Monasterio, 3B
Pitching Matchup:
Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks, RHP
In the month of June, Kyle Hendricks has allowed just three earned runs over five appearances, including two starts, and 21.1 IP. His last time out was his best of the year, with seven strong innings against the San Francisco Giants: 7.0 IP, 5H, 2ER, 1BB, 4K. What’s to credit for his success? Well one thing would be the increased curveball usage.
First seven games: 6.8%
Last six games: 19.6%
And it just so happens, the Brewers have struggled against curveballs this year. So maybe this approach can work for Hendricks today.
Milwaukee Brewers: Freddy Peralta, RHP
The last time Freddy Peralta faced the Cubs lineup (5/28), he struck out 11 batters in 5.2 innings of work. And although he’s got a less-than-impressive 4.03 ERA this season, he’s already got 112 strikeouts through 16 starts, and a 3.53 FIP. He’s not an easy matchup.
Broadcast Info:
Chicago Cubs (39-45) vs Milwaukee Brewers (49-34) at 1:10 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
