Chicago Cubs turn to Jon Lester to keep things going against Cain, Giants

After dropping two of three to the Milwaukee Brewers to begin their road trip, the Chicago Cubs exploded for eight runs Friday evening. Will they be able to keep the train going, later on, tonight?

Well, yesterday was very exciting despite outfielder Jason Heyward being removed from the game after making a spectacular diving catch in right-center field. He was expected to undergo an MRI today but the Chicago Cubs (29-11) have yet to release additional information regarding his injury.

As soon as we find out his diagnosis, we’ll have a story up and ready for you viewers to read, so no worries. Now, back to pregame notes.

While the bats were hot, Jake Arrieta was even hotter. Arrieta not only picked up his eighth win of the season but held the Giants (25-19) to one earned run on four hits in seven innings of work to keep his win streak alive.

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And at the same time helped end the eight-game winning streak that San Francisco had put together prior to the North Siders riding into town. An impressive streak that put them at the top of the National League West ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Surely, Dodgers fans are rooting for the Cubs this weekend. Now, taking the mound tonight will be veteran southpaw Jon Lester (4-2, 1.88 ERA) who went head-to-head with Gerrit Cole this past Sunday.

Lester held the Pirates to one earned run on two hits while issuing two free passes and striking out nine batters in 6 2/3 innings of work but was still handed the loss. Cole had himself one heck of a game, redeeming himself from his previous outing against the Cubs at PNC Park.

He’ll be put up against another veteran who has yet to win this year but is coming off his best start of the season. Matt Cain (0-5, 5.87 ERA) gave up seven hits to the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 15 but held them to only one earned run in seven innings of work.

Next: Cubs take opener from Giants

The 31-year-old right-hander issued two walks and punched out five as the Giants completed a sweep of the D’backs that day. They scored the go-ahead run in the ninth when Brandon Crawford drove in Hunter Pence with an RBI single to right field.

First pitch for tonight’s contest is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. central time and will air live on FOX, 670 The Score. Here’s a look at how both teams will look: