Cubs @ Miami: Hamels vs. Alcantara (Game 17)
CHC (7-9): LHP Cole Hamels (2-0, 3.79 ERA)
MIA (4-14): RHP Sandy Alcantara (1-1, 4.24 ERA)
First pitch 6:10pmCDT
Hamels takes the mound as the Cubs go for the sweep in Miami. The lefty pitched 8 innings in his last start allowing a solo HR as the only scoring. He’s done a good job keeping guys off the bases, and his 50% GB rate bodes well for his season. It would be encouraging to see him suppress HRs a bit more. Watch out for Martin Prado, who has slashed .319/.347/.478 against Hamels in 69 ABs.The Cubs will face yet another young fireballer in Sandy Alcantara. Miami picked him up in the Ozuna trade prior to the 2018 season. He’s made 9 big league starts so far and has a career 3.71 ERA in that role. Walks have been an issue for him in that time, and he hasn’t accumulated the strikeouts to match. You can credit his solid ERA to GB% and generally outperforming his peripherals. I expect the patient Cubs’ lineup to give him some trouble and maybe even tag him for his first homerun allowed of the season. He pitched 1.2 IP against the Cubs across two relief appearances with STL in 2017. I imagine some of the vets are looking forward to facing a familiar pitcher at some point. Heyward remains the hot bat and David Bote went 2-4 with a 2B and a BB yesterday.
The Cubs have tomorrow off and will then face Arizona at home. After the horrid 1-6 start, the Cubs have enjoyed a respectable 6-3 stretch. Keep on the sunny side, Cubs fans!
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