Cubs @ Braves: Lester vs. Manuelos (Game 89 Thread)
CHC (47-41): LHP Jon Lester (4-8, 3.59)
ATL (43-47): LHP Manny Banuelos (1-0, 0.75)
First pitch: 6:10pmCT
Fowler# cf Bryant 3b Rizzo* 1b Soler rf Denorfia lf Castro ss Ross c Lester* p Russell 2b | Peterson* 2b C. Johnson 1b Pierzynski* c |
Lester, who hasn’t won a game since the Reagan administration, lost to the White Sox his last time out (7 IP, 4 ER, 8 Ks, 0 BBs), but he’s 0-2 with a 1.71 ERA in his 3 July starts. The Cubs are averaging 1.6 runs in his last 10 starts. Thanks to interleague and being traded, Lester pitched in Atlanta twice last year, going 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA. The Braves are 37-153 against him (.242). Pierzynski is 9-16 (.316). Gomes and Chris Johnson have HRs.
The 24y/o Banuelos is working his way back from TJ surgery--or what Braves pitchers mean when they say DL. After his starts in the minors and two with the Big Club (and a relief appearance before the AS Break), he is nearing an innings limit for the season. None of the Cubs have faced him.
And there’s some good news in the world of signage.
Go Cubs!
Comments