Chicago Cubs: John Lackey on mound, Cubs look to even series

Veteran starter John Lackey gets the ball in the second tilt between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox from Wrigley Field Tuesday afternoon.

The Chicago White Sox were able to end their nine-game losing streak Monday at the North Siders’ expense, but the Chicago Cubs look to begin a new streak Tuesday at Wrigley Field.

Streaking

John Lackey (6-9, 5.04 ERA) is going for his third straight win on the season. It hasn’t been a banner year for the veteran, though he is coming off five solid frames last time out against the Atlanta Braves, allowing one earned run on five hits. 

Lackey has pitched five-straight quality starts against the Sox and has gone at least six innings in 15 consecutive meetings.

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On the year Lackey has served up the long-ball at an alarming rate, including more than double his career average (2.17).

He’s only had three starts in 2017 in which he has not given up a home run.

The White Sox are countering with Carlos Rodón (1-3, 5.75 ERA).

Rodón has missed much of the season being on the DL as he makes his fifth start Tuesday. He’s coming off two rough outings in which he allowed six runs in 5 1/3 against the Rockies and five in 3 2/3 last time out against the Dodgers.

Looking to break out

Chicago’s resurgent second-half offense leads the way with 19 home runs and sits high among many of the statistical leaderboards.

While Miguel Gonzalez was able to limit the Cubs to just one run Monday, they’ll look to break back out against a pitcher in Rodón still looking for his groove. Willson Contreras has maintained his spot as the clean-up man and with good reason, batting .328 in July with six home runs.

Right fielder Ben Zobrist is back leading off, with Addison Russell at shortstop, and Albert Almora Jr. is making his first start in center field since July 18.

What’s next

The crosstown rivals switch parks as the series shifts to Guaranteed Rate Park. Jake Arrieta (9-7, 4.11 ERA) battles James Shields (2-2, 5.79 ERA).

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm C.T.