Chicago Cubs look for Lackey to be the stopper in series opener vs. Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs are in their worst stretch since the season begin. After losing seven of 11 games, they’ll try to get back on track against the rival Cardinals in St. Louis.

If there’s ever been a good time to right a “sinking ship”, it’s against your division rivals. The Chicago Cubs will try to get the offense going again as they try to add more space between themselves and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs (29-13) will try to rebound from losing two straight series as they take on the Cardinals (23-21).

Former Cardinal Joh Lackey (4-2, 3.31) will take the mound for the Cubs against the Cards’ Adam Wainwright (4-3, 5.92). Lackey will be tasked with shutting down a potent offense that is one of the top three in the league in slugging percentage (.464), OPS (.807) and home runs (59). Most of the current Cardinals have very little experience against their former teammate as Brandon Moss is the only player with more than six AB’s against him (4-for-11, 2 RBI).

Hopefully, Wainwright will be just what the doctor ordered for Anthony Rizzo who has had solid success against the Cardinals starter. Rizzo has hit .300 (10-for-30) with a home run and three RBIs. The Cubs could potentially see the other former Cardinal Jason Heyward in the series as he recovers from a contusion suffered after diving for a ball against the Giants.

The Cubs aren’t losing for a lack of good pitching as they still rank near the top of the league in WHIP ( 1.07) and ERA (2.70). The offense also still ranks near the top in several categories, even with the recent struggles.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s series opener:

First pitch is slated for 7:15 p.m. CT at Busch Stadium. CSN+ will have the television coverage and The Score 670 will have the radio broadcast. Be sure to check back after the game for postgame coverage as well as other recent news on the Cubs!