The Chicago Cubs welcome in the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three game series beginning Monday at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are coming off a disappointing series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend. The Cubs had a 2-0 lead in the first game of that series into the sixth inning, until a Neil Walker grand slam off Ryan Dempster gave the Pirates the lead for good.
The Cubs bounced back however in a come from behind win in game two. Led by Alfonso Soriano and Blake DeWitt, the Cubs used a eight inning rally to beat the Pirates. Sunday was heartbreak for the Northsiders, who lead in the top of the ninth, but lost the lead on a Carlos Marmol blown save.
The Diamondbacks come into the series with a 1-1 record, after splitting two games with the Colorado Rockies. Their game on Sunday was postponed due to rain and snow.
Here’s the pitching match-ups for the series.
Game One: Joe Saunders (0-0) —ERA vs. Randy Wells (0-0) —ERA
Game Two: Barry Enright (0-0) —ERA vs. Andrew Cashner (0-0) —ERA
Game Three: Armando Galarraga (0-0) —ERA vs. Ryan Dempster (0-1) 8.10 ERA
The interesting game to watch in this series in my mind is Tuesdays game, featuring Andrew Cashner making his first start in the fifth spot for the Cubs. Cashner won the fifth spot in the rotation in a long battle during spring training. Cubs fans should be excited to see what this kid can do.
Although it’s still early in the season this could be a big series for both teams. The Cubs want to avenge their disappointing start to the season in the series loss to the Pirates. Nothing would be better than winning the series against the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks haven’t got much talk in competing for the NL West. Getting off to a good start for the 2011 season could be key. A strong start will help them in the long run.
Player to watch: Starlin Castro.
Castro has had a nice start to the 2011 season. Many people around the MLB are expecting big things from the 21 year old short stop. The Cubs success could rest on his shoulders, both offensively and defensively.
Prediction: Cubs win series 2-1.
