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Chicago Cubs: Previewing Jon Lester vs Clayton Kershaw
By Erik Mauro
After dropping the first two games of the series against the Dodgers and failing to score a run, the Cubs turn to Jon Lester. The problem? Clayton Kershaw is on the other side.
In a rematch of sorts of the 2016 NLCS, The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated the first two games of the series. Los Angeles limited the Chicago Cubs to just five hits over the first 18 innings. It doesn’t get much easier, as the best pitcher in the universe takes the ball in the finale.
Jon Lester pitched his best game of the year last time out, and the Dodgers have struggled against left-handed pitchers in the past. This year, the Dodgers have been a little better, slashing at .242/.324/.401. That’s not too bad, compared to years past, but still, not great.
Lester enjoyed success against the Dodgers recently. Last season, he pitched a complete game in a 2-1 win during a home series in June, while pitching very well against them twice in the NLCS. The Cubs will need much of that same magic today if they hope to have any chance of avoiding the brooms.
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The Cubs lineup will feature Javier Baez in the leadoff spot, followed by the customary Bryzzo in the 2-3 spots. Rookie Ian Happ occupies the cleanup spot. Jason Heyward, Willson Contreras and Addison Russell occupy the 5-6-7 spots. Outfielder Albert Almora and Jon Lester round out the order.
As for the Dodgers, it’s a bit of an unorthodox lineup. Logan Forsythe, Corey Seager and Chris Taylor occupy the top three spots. Franklin Gutierrez, Kikè Hernandez, Austin Barnes get the middle spots. Cody Bellinger, Brett Eibner, and Kershaw bring up the rear of the order.
Next: Offensive power outage continues
This should be an interesting game. The Cubs are due to breakout for a run, with a great pitching matchup, this will be a fun one to watch.