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Cubs vs. Brewers: Hendricks vs. Woodruff (Game 1)
CHC (0-0): RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-0, -.-- ERA)
MIL (0-0): RHP Brandon Woodruff (0-0, -.-- ERA)
First pitch 6:10pmCDT
Opening Day arrives at Wrigley for the Chicago Cubs and on televisions and radios across Cubs fandom. Said fans will be treated to Kyle Hendricks's first Opening Day start, a recognition not only for his remarkably consistent performance in the Cubs rotation but also his excellent preparation for the season--he should be available for 100 pitches if things go his way. Hendricks has handled current Brewers reasonably well over his career, including Christian Yelich. In this shortened season, it's not hard to imagine an 8-game winner walking away with the Cy Young and a 35-win team taking the division; every start is going to count for both the individual performers and the teams.
Brandon Woodruff will face off against the Cubs hitters. After debuting in 2017, he missed most of 2018 and some of 2019; Cubs hitters have very few at-bats against him as a result. He has been very good for the Brew Crew when healthy, including last year when he earned over 3WAR in 121.2 innings. He's struck out more than a batter per inning in his career and walked 2.52 per 9 innings. Rookie manager David Ross will likely use the DH to get an extra lefty in the lineup.
On this date last year, our Cubs defeated the Giants 4-1 to raise their record to 55-47. This year, they have a clean slate in late July.
Unlike most opening days in Chicago, we probably won't see any players breaking out the thermal gear. The forecast for the day is clear with highs in the 70s. A lovely day for team personnel only to be at the ballpark.
Go Cubs! And stay safe.
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