Chicago Cubs, Jon Lester begin lengthy road trip tonight in Cincinnati

Following a disastrous weekend, the Chicago Cubs bounced back with two come from behind wins over the Brewers. As they end their first homestand 4-5, our defending World Champs prepare for life on the road.

So far this season, we’ve witnessed the Chicago Cubs have trouble keeping leads or capitalizing with runners in scoring position. Not something we were expecting.

However, not every game is going to involve the Cubs blowing out opponents left and right. This lineup is starting to turn things around. Take their previous take games for example. They trailed in both contests against Milwaukee and rallied late.

It was all capped off with shortstop Addison Russell rounding the bases, making his way towards home plate to a mob of teammates. Not to mention, thousands of Cubs’ fans losing their minds.

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Prior to Russell launching his first career walk-off homer, he blooped a single out into right field to bring his club within one. Providing them with what seemed to be much-needed momentum – the rest of the lineup answered the call.

Sure enough, the Cubs were above .500 yet again and now see themselves in second place in the National League Central. It was around this time last year when the Cubs secured sole possession of first place and never looked back.

 Early running

Times have changed and things are very different in the division. Why? Because the Cincinnati Reds hold a half-game lead in the division. Completely do-able.

Taking the mound tonight, giving the Cubs an opportunity to earn joint possession in the division will be Jon Lester. Lester (0-0, 1.00 ERA) has been the shining star for this starting rotation thus far, dominating opposing lineups.

The 33-year-old southpaw was lights out in his previous outing, pitching seven scoreless innings against the Bucs. Despite his fantastic start, Chicago’s bullpen failed to lock down the Pirates, allowing the to score six runs in two frames.

Rather disappointing but it isn’t going to stop Lester from doing what he does best — turning in quality starts. Tonight, he’ll square off against 29-year-old right-hander, Tim Adleman. Adleman (0-0, 2.25 ERA) pitched four innings against the Milwaukee Brewers but was not the starting pitcher that day.

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Over the course of those four innings, he yielded two earned runs on two hits, one being a solo home run in a no-decision. He’ll have his hands full with a lineup that is looking to score early and often from here on out.

First pitch for tonight’s contest is set for 6:10 p.m. central time. Both WGN and 670 The Score AM will have the action for those who live in the market. MLB Network will broadcast the game for those who don’t.