Cubs look to salvage finale against Braves in Atlanta

Apr 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(36) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In the first two games of this series against the Atlanta Braves, Ricky Renteria and the Chicago Cubs have been competitive, to say the least. The club dropped Friday’s opener in extra innings and Atlanta scored just two runs late Saturday, but it was enough to top a poor offensive showing by Chicago.

This afternoon, the Cubs (12-23) turn to right-hander Edwin Jackson (2-2, 4.57 ERA), who is coming off his best performance of the season. In his last start, the veteran tossed seven innings against the White Sox, tallying nine strikeouts. Most importantly, he attacked the strike zone early and did not walk a batter.

Opposing Jackson will be another veteran right-hander who has filled in for Atlanta’s injury-riddled rotation nicely early on this season in the form of Aaron Harang (3-3, 2.98 ERA). He has allowed two earned runs or less in six of his first seven starts.

Here are today’s starting lineups:

This afternoon’s game will be broadcast on both television and radio via WGN. It will also be shown on MLB Network.