Chicago Cubs look to end mini-skid against NL West leading Dodgers

Cubs face another ace in Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs continue to get people talking as they push towards the postseason. They can increase that chatter with another victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw (10-6, 2.29). The Cubs beat Kershaw with a 4-2 win at Wrigley back on June 22nd. The Cubs will counter with Jason Hammel (7-5, 3.35). Hammel has had a solid season as his numbers indicate, but as of late he hasn’t been as effective–and in turn has been on a short leash from skipper Joe Maddon.

The Cubs (73-53) have been one of the most impressive offensive clubs in the month of August and have posted the best record in the NL. A day removed from facing Madison Bumgarner of the Giants, they get to deal with Kershaw. But so far this season, the Cubs are 5-2 against past Cy Young winners so it’s clear they’re capable.

The Cubs, however, won’t have to deal with Yasiel Puig as he returns to the disabled list with another hamstring injury. Puig has already missed nearly two months this season with the same injury.

The Dodgers (70-56) lead the NL West and are coming off a sweep of the Cincinnati Reds. A rough start to the road trip finished well as the Dodgers increased their lead to 2 1/2 games. Kershaw had a stellar outing against the Astros of eight inning, one run ball that was wasted in a 3-2 loss.

Dexter Fowler returns to the lineup for the Cubs after being day-to-day with a sore right shin after fouling a ball off it. Starlin Castro will get the start at second base for the Cubs as they load the lineup against the lefty Kershaw.

First pitch is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. CT at Dodger Stadium. WGN has the TV coverage while WBBM 780 has the radio broadcast. Here are the starting lineups for tonight’s matchup:

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