Last year, the Chicago Cubs (54-71) could count on Travis Wood to give them a quality start almost every time out. He’d love to get just one of those this evening against the San Francisco Giants (66-58).
Wood (7-10, 4.86) hasn’t had a win in his last 11 starts. And in that time has posted a 5.40 ERA. Walks, which have led to high pitch counts have been his Achilles heel. That will be a key tonight if the continuation of game one avoids being rained out due to Edwin Jackson‘s short outing.
Madison Bumgarner (13-9, 3.14) takes the mound for the Giants, but has been a much better pitcher on the road. He’s posted a 9-3 record with a 1.72 ERA in his 14 road starts. In his career at Wrigley, he’s 2-2 with a 3.42 ERA in four starts.
Starlin Castro was added to the bereavement list today to deal with the loss of his cousin to a car accident. Castro will be subbed for in the first game as he was still in the lineup at the time.
The game is scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. CT start, barring weather and the first game running long. Here are the lineups for the second game:
8/21 @Cubs Game 2 lineup vs SF
— MLB Replays (@MLBReplays) August 22, 2014
Alcantara CF
Baez SS
Rizzo 1B
Ruggiano RF
Castillo C
Valaika 2B
Valbuena 3B
Szczur LF
Wood P
8/21 @SFGiants lineup vs CHC
— MLB Replays (@MLBReplays) August 22, 2014
Pagan CF
Pence RF
Posey C
Sandoval 3B
Morse LF
Duvall 1B
Panik 2B
Arias SS
Bumgarner P