Jon Lester to start for Chicago Cubs vs Detroit Tigers

The Chicago Cubs will find themselves in the Motor City for a brief two-game series against the Detroit Tigers after taking three-of-four games from the Washington Nationals this past weekend.

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It was a much-needed series win as they managed to drop two games to the Miami Marlins to begin their nine-game road trip. So far this month, they’ve faced two of the National League’s best sluggers in Giancarlo Stanton and Bryce Harper – only to find themselves going up against a former Triple Crown winner in Miguel Cabrera.

Starting tonight for the Chicago Cubs will be veteran southpaw, Jon Lester. Lester (4-4, 3.86 ERA) had eight solid outings prior to his previous start, allowing the Fish to tag him for six earned runs on nine hits including two huge home runs across five innings.

The 31-year-old hurler finished the month of May strong but stumbled out of the gate to begin June. He gave up back-to-back home runs during the bottom half of the first to both Stanton and former Cub Jeff Baker to give Miami a commanding 6-0 lead.

While Lester’s terrible performance was highlighted, young outfielder Junior Lake‘s behavior took up most of the negative spotlight. Chicago was still trailing by a large deficit when Lake connected on his first home run of the season. It was a two-run shot to left field off pitcher

It was a two-run shot to left field off pitcher Dan Haren, which wasn’t an issue until Lake began taunting the home dugout. Shortly after he crossed home plate, members of both benches began to clear as tempers flared between the two clubs.

Chicago (30-25) would eventually lose that game by the final score of 7-3.

Taking the mound tonight for the Tigers (30-28) will be 31-year-old right-hander, Anibal Sanchez. Sanchez (3-7, 5.69 ERA) is currently riding a three-game losing streak, allowing a total of 20 earned runs on 26 hits and seven home runs in his previous four outings.

Giving up that many long-balls won’t help any when you’re pitching against guys a young team with a bunch of power scattered throughout their lineup. If he’s unable to control his pitches, he’ll give up at least two or three big flies to this group of young pups who are currently ranked seventh in the N.L. with 53 home runs.

Here’s a look at tonight’s starting lineup’s:

First pitch is slated for 6:08 p.m. central time and will air live on CSN, WBBM 780.

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