Chicago Cubs look to sweep two-game set from the Cleveland Indians

Cubs offense looks to stay hot in Cleveland

The Chicago Cubs enjoy playing the AL Central, just not in the initial game of the series. After struggling in each opener against the Tigers, Royals and Indians, the Cubs opened up the proverbial “can” on each, and hope to close it out tonight at Progressive Field as

(5-2, 2.81) squares off against the Indians’

(6-2, 3.54).

The Cubs (35-28) started early and never looked back, and will turn to Hammel to get back on track after having his least efficient outing in his last seven starts, six of which he allowed two or fewer runs. It’s difficult to say it was a hitter’s park last night, as the Cubs held the Indians scoreless as they rolled out 17 runs.

For the Indians (30-34), the search for a reliable fifth starter begins again, as the Cubs literally knocked Shaun Marcum out of Cleveland. He was designated for assignment earlier on Thursday. The Tribe will have a few days to figure it out, but will need Salazar to be effective to limit the bullpen, which included two position players on Wednesday.

The Cubs Kris Bryant bring in the longest hitting streak in baseball right now at 13 games, with the second longest across the diamond in the Indians Jason Kipnis with a 12-game streak. Kyle Schwarber will look to impress the Cubs and their fans again as he’ll be the DH once again after going 4-for-5 in last night’s contest.

Miguel Montero returns to the lineup as well after being scratched from yesterday’s game late with back stiffness.

Tonight’s game is scheduled for a 6:10 p.m. CT first pitch. CSN will have coverage while WBBM 780 has the radio broadcast.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:

Next: Five questions with Wahoo's on First