Travis Wood, Chicago Cubs look to avoid sweep vs Rays, 1:20 p.m. CT, Lineups

Left handed starting pitcher Travis Wood (7-9, 5.08) and the Chicago Cubs (49-66) will look to avoid a three game series sweep on Sunday afternoon as they take on Alex Cobb (7-6, 3.52 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (57-59).

Wood picked up a start against the Colorado Rockies on August 5, but was unable to pick up a decision in the 6-5 late inning thriller. The 27 year old lefty worked through six complete innings against the Rockies, allowing them to record three runs (all earned) off seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts.

Those two strikeouts tied a season low for Wood, the last time this occurred was against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 10.

He’s looking to put behind a terrible month of July behind him, where he allowed a total of 30 runs (24 earned) off 45 hits (season high), four home runs, 16 walks and 31 strikeouts. Wood went the entire month without a victory, picking up six starts but finished 0-3.

Hopefully he’ll receive run support from rookie infielder Javier Baez, who has made some noise with the club ever since he debuted against Colorado just four days ago.

Cobb on the other hand is coming off a fantastic start against the Oakland Athletics – a game where he allowed just two earned runs off eight hits, while issuing four walks but struck out four batters as well. Cobb had himself a great month of July, recording four wins in six outings.

He’s pitched fairly well this year with the Rays, allowing a total of eight runs runs off 24 hits (two home runs) with only eight walks and 36 strikeouts. His strikeout total for July is a season high, his previous being 29 in June.

First pitch for this afternoon contest is scheduled for 1:20 P.M. CT, and will be broadcast on both CSN/WGN 720.

Here’s today’s starting lineups for both the Cubs and Rays: