Pregame Notes: Samardzija, Cubs look to bounce back against Phillies

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After dropping a rough home opener yesterday afternoon, the Chicago Cubs will look for redemption against Ryno and the Phillies, sending Jeff Samardzija to the hill. The Phils are countering with one of the best pitchers in the game in Cliff Lee. Samardzija will toe the rubber with first pitch  officially listed at 1:20 p.m. CT.

Jeff Samardzija (0-0, 0.00 ERA), of course, had an outstanding Opening Day against the Buccos, firing seven shutout frames on just five hits, and will look to shut down the Phillies’ offense after they tallied seven runs yesterday. Cliff Lee (1-0, 14.40 ERA) on the other hand, is hoping for a much better start this time around, after serving up eight runs to Texas on Opening Day.

The Cubs are putting out their “lefty lineup” today, featuring Junior Lake, Justin Ruggiano, and Mike Olt. However, it will be a challenge nonetheless, as Cliff Lee has held right-handed hitters to just a .253 average in his career.

The game will be on CSN for those of you who want to see Ryno, and here’s how the teams will line up: