Pregame Notes: Cubs look to start weekend with another win over San Diego

Following last night’s 5-1 series-opening win over the San Diego Padres, Ricky Renteria and the Chicago Cubs will look to make it two in a row behind right-hander Edwin Jackson, who has emerged as a competitive member of the pitching staff in his recent starts, adding further depth to an already impressive starting rotation.

Jackson (3-3, 3.98 ERA) is coming off a masterful start against the Milwaukee Brewers where he tossed seven shutout innings in which he amassed a season-high 11 strikeouts. He has pitched at seven innings in three of his previous five starts and will look to build on that success in Friday’s matchup with the Padres.

Less than a month ago, many Cubs fans were calling for Jackson’s removal from the starting rotation – but since that point he has been one of the team’s best starters. Another strong start will go toward solidifying the right-hander’s place in the Cubs’ future, or possibly building his midseason trade value.

San Diego will counter with veteran right-hander Tim Stauffer (1-0, 2.41 ERA).

Tonight’s game will be broadcast on WGN-TV and WGN AM 720.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups.