Chicago Cubs’ Hendricks starts game one of doubleheader versus Reds

Hendricks pairs up with Schwarber for battery in game one

The Chicago Cubs Kyle Schwarber experienced an absolute storybook performance to his game against the team he grew up rooting for in last night’s extra-innings win against the Cincinnati Reds. Joe Maddon apparently feels the bat is still hot, as Schwarber will get the start in game one after catching the entire 13 innings last night. He’ll be behind the plate for Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.44) who has allowed just one earned run in his last four starts.

The Cubs (50-42) will face the Reds’ Mike Leake (7-5, 3.95), who has had solid success against the Cubs going 8-2 with a 3.28 ERA in his career against him. Aside from the red-hot Schwarber (.410, three HR, 10 RBIs), he’ll have to deal with Chris Coghlan who has just owned Leake (9-for-13, three doubles, two HR) and Anthony Rizzo who is 10-for-27 against him.

Rizzo and Kris Bryant have struggled as of late, and Leake may provide just what the two need to get things back on track at the plate. The Reds (41-50) could see him on the hill for the last time, as Leake’s name has been mentioned heavily in trade talks.

Hendricks will be making his 19th start of the season, but his recent stretch has been one of the best of his career. In his last four starts he’s 2-0 with just an 0.35 ERA.

The Cubs made a few roster moves, calling up Dallas Beller to start game two with the allotted call-up for a doubleheader. They also DFA’d Clayton Richard and recalled Yoervis Medina from Triple-A Iowa.

First pitch of game one is scheduled for 11:35 a.m. CT at Great American Ballpark.

Here are the lineups for the first game: