After the Chicago Cubs spilt a rain shortened series with the Milwaukee Brewers, they remain home for a four game series with the World Champion San Francisco Giants. The Cubs, who rank 26 in runs scored per game(23), finally got their offense heated up on Tuesday night as they erased a three run deficit to beat the Brewers, 6-3. But continuing the success will certainly be a challenge this weekend as the Giants pitching ranks fifth in opponents batting average(.215).
Thursday (1:20 CSN): Despite Wednesday’s game being postponed, Cubs manager Dale Sveum announced that they will not skip Scott Feldman’s in the rotation so he will get the start on Thursday. Ryan Vogelsong will take the mound for the Giants. Both starters had rough first outings and will look to bounce back on Thursday. Vogelsong had good success in his one outing against the Cubs last year, going seven innings allowing two runs, and getting the win. Alfonso Soriano, who is off to a cold start, will look to get on track. He is batting .417 against Vogelsong with a home run and 3 RBIs.
Friday (1:20 CSN): Carlos Villanueva(1-1) will face off against Giants ace Matt Cain(0-1). Cain had arguably once of the worst outings of his career on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. He couldn’t escape the fourth inning as he gave up nine earned runs in 3.2 innings. Both starters will be looking to bounce back so don’t be surprised to see a low scoring tilt on Friday.
Saturday (12:05 FOX): Jeff Samardzija(1-1) will take the mound for the Cubs against Madison Bumgarner(2-0). Samardzija was dominate in the first four innings against the Braves on Sunday as he struck out 13. But a bad sixth inning, where he gave up three runs, got him the loss. On the other hand, Bumgarner is off to a hot start and is 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA against the Cubs in his career.
Sunday (1:20 WGN): In the fourth and final game of the series Edwin Jackson(0-2) will get the start against Tim Lincecum(1-0). Lincecum is a completely different pitcher than he used to be when he won two Cy Young Awards. After an awful 2012 campaign, Lincecum has been bad in his first two starts this season. Although he did not allow a run against the Dodgers last Wednesday, he walked seven in five innings. Through two starts, he has a combined 11 walks. Patience will definitely be a big key for the Cubs in this game as they are 29 in the league with just 15 walks through eight games. Only the Chicago White Sox are worse in the category with 13. Jackson was roughed up in his first start at Wrigley Field as a Cub on Monday. Command was an issue again for Jackson as he gave up a two out, bases loaded walk in the first inning. Not the ideal game for Jackson to get on track though. Over the past three years, he is 1-2 with a 5.38 ERA against the Giants.
Unfortunately rain is in the forecast again on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. So keep an eye on the weather situation if you’re heading to Wrigley this weekend.
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