After winning one out of the four-game set against the powerful Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley, it seems like the Cubs are just taking the hardships day by day. Sadly, this is Cubs fans’ new status quo, and all they can do now is sit, watch (if you dare) and wait. While there was a bright spot in the second start of rookie Brooks Raley, the Cubs are now just trying to allow their youngsters some playing time so they can develop and be ready to be part of a better Cubs team. But short term, the Cubs take on the Houston Astros this week and hope to make amends for that horrid five-error game on Friday.
Probable Starters
Game 1 (Monday, 7:05 p.m. CT)
Armando Galarraga (0-2, 4.70 ERA) vs. Jeff Samardzija (7-10, 4.21)
Game 2 (Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. CT)
Lucas Harrell (9-8, 3.97) vs. Chris Volstad (0-8, 6.94)
Game 3 (Wednesday, 1:20 p.m. CT)
Bud Norris (5-9, 4.93) vs. Justin Germano (1-2, 4.26)
Series Studs (last series)
CHC: Anthony Rizzo (4-11, 1 RBI)
Rizzo has been one of the only consistent Cubs recently, boasting a 2.90 batting average and notching eight hits in his last 10 games. While he hasn’t hit a home run since Aug. 5, he had three walks and a double in the last series against the Reds.
HOU: Steve Pearce (5-11, 4 RBI)
Pearce has been on a big hot streak lately, with 11 hits in his last ten games. In the Astros’ last series against Milwaukee, he hit a triple and struck out four times.
Series Duds (last series)
CHC: Brett Jackson (1-8, 0 RBI)
Since his call-up to the majors, Jackson has been under scrutiny for continuing his strikeout problems at the plate. He played three of the four games against Cincinnati, and while he drew a walk, he also struck out four times.
HOU: Justin Maxwell (0-6, 0 RBI)
Maxwell hasn’t had a hit in four games, and he struck out three times against the Brewers.
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