Chicago Cubs look to stay hot as LA Dodgers come to Wrigley

On Monday the Chicago Cubs will look to extend their five game winning streak as the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town for a four game series.

The Cubs are fresh off of a three game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies in which they outscored their opponent 17-5.  The North Siders were boosted by stellar pitching performances from Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, and John Lackey.

At 4:05 pm CT the Cubs will look to keep the ball rolling as Jason Hammel (6-1, 2.17) takes on Alex Wood (1-3, 4.03).

Dodgers’ pitchers not named Clayton Kershaw have struggled this season, and fortunately for the Cubs, they will miss Kershaw in this series.  Los Angeles is 13-22 when Kershaw does not take the mound.

The Cubs’ pitching has been phenomenal this season as John Lackey (5-2, 3.16) is the only Cubs starter without a sub-three ERA.

Chicago has managed to keep the bats hot as well.  Ben Zobrist, who hit a three-run homer in yesterday’s game, is currently riding a 15 game hitting streak.  Kris Bryant will go into the game tied for fifth in RBI’s with 37.

Dexter Fowler will not be in the Cubs’ starting lineup today as he tends to a sore right heel, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.  Ben Zobrist will occupy the lead off spot in Fowler’s absence.

Anthony Rizzo, who is currently batting .237, has been in a painfully protracted slump and the Cubs would love to see him right the ship in this series.

On the other hand, Jorge Soler has been swinging a hot bat of late, and will get the start in left field this afternoon.  He is only batting .211, but that’s a good 25 points higher than it was last week.

Here are your lineups for this afternoon.  Eamus Catuli!