Chicago Cubs will turn to bullpen in game two vs. Cardinals

Cubs look to take game two from MLB best Cards

The series between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals is off to a perfect start for two teams that have called each other “rivals” for so many years. Now, after a long drought, these games matter between the two teams as the Cubs continue to try and chase down the Pirates and the Cards. Travis Wood (5-4, 4.11) will make the spot start on Saturday as he’ll face Michael Wacha (16-5, 2.96).

The Cubs (86-61) have had some success against Wacha this season as he’s posted a 6.75 ERA against them in three starts this season. Yesterday’s hero Starlin Castro has had great success against the Cards starter batting .474 with two doubles and two homers against Wacha.

The Cards (92-55) will have to deal with Wood who makes his ninth start of the season and his first since Sept. 12 against the Phillies. With September roster expansions, Cubs’ skipper Joe Maddon is likely to use as many arms as necessary–especially with Jon Lester taking the hill on Sunday.

Many will be tuned in to see what develops after the “he said, she said” beanings in the opener. The Cubs believe Matt Belisle intentionally threw at Anthony Rizzo in retaliation after Dan Haren hit pinch-hitter Matt Holliday in the head. Maddon was convinced it was intentional, as was Rizzo. The Cubs say it’s “in the Cards hands” from here.

The Cubs dropped eight of the first 10 against St. Louis but have now taken five of the last seven. With Pittsburgh’s loss last night the Cubs are only one back for the top Wild Card spot.

The game is slated for a 12:05 p.m. CT first pitch. The game will be a national broadcast on FOX and will also be carried on WBBM 780.

Here are the lineups for today’s action:

Next: Rivalry with Cards is alive and well