Jason Hammel starts possible series clincher vs the Cardinals

Cubs hold 2-1 series advantage vs Cardinals

After working the doubleheader sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs will look to win their first series against the first-place Redbirds with Jason Hammel on the mound opposite Michael Wacha.

Both Jake Arrieta and Dallas Beeler turned in quality starts to help the third-place Cubs gain some ground on both St. Louis and the second-place Pittsburgh Pirates. All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo drilled a two-run bomb during the afternoon portion of the two-game set, backing up Arrieta for the 7-4 win.

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Addison Russell was credited with a game-tying RBI on an odd bounce on a ball that he sent down the right field line. It appeared as if it was foul, but it took a weird turn and landed fair behind first base.

This resulted in Cardinals skipper Mike Matheny having to replace his reliever Seth Maness was ejected by first base umpire Pat Hoberg.

Tonight, Hammel (5-4, 2.89 ERA) will look to end his two-game skid as he has lost to the Miami Marlins in his previous start and the Cardinals back on June 28.

While visiting the Cardinals (54-30), the 32-year-old right-hander surrendered four earned runs on six hits while issuing one walk but managed to strike out seven batters across four innings of work.

St. Louis was able to complete the three-game weekend sweep with the 4-1 win, but the Cubs were able to bounce back with a three-game sweep of their own in New York against the Mets.

Hammel’s counter, Wacha (10-3, 2.66 ERA) has been lights out in his previous two starts including one in that weekend series sweep of the North Siders on Saturday, June 27.

Wacha held the Cubs (46-37) to one earned run on six hits with two walks and five punch outs in sixth innings of work. He turned in his second consecutive quality start against the Padres on July 3, allowing one earned run in seven frames.

First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. central time and CSN, ESPN and WBBM 780.

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

Next: Morning Marquee: Cubs Claim Doubleheader