Chicago Cubs continue Crosstown Classic at Wrigley Field

After dropping the first two games of this four-game set to the Chicago White Sox on the South Side, Joe Maddon, and the Chicago Cubs welcome in their city rival to continue the Crosstown Classic.

And it hasn’t been pretty for the North Siders who are still holding onto a 6.5 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central. The Cubs (59-40) had trouble solving James Shields in yesterday’s 3-0 loss but hammered a few pitches that looked as if they were leaving the yard.

Shields silenced this Cubs lineup and cruised through 7 2/3 innings before he was removed from the game. Despite picking up the loss, Kyle Hendricks was fairly solid in his outing, surrendering only two earned runs and recording seven strikeouts before Joe brought in veteran southpaw Travis Wood to take over.

They are going to need to avoid a three-game losing streak with Adam Wainwright on the mound for the Cardinals in New York. Wainwright has dominated the month of July.

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Now, tonight, Jason Hammel will be called upon to square off against Anthony Ranaudo who will be making his White Sox (50-50) debut.

Hammel (9-5, 3.35 ERA) is currently riding a two-game winning streak in as many outings, holding both the Texas Rangers (Ranaudo’s former team) and Milwaukee Brewers to a combined three earned runs on seven hits, three walks, and 11 strikeouts in 11 innings of work.

He began the month with a horrible start in New York, giving up 10 earned runs in four innings, which is the reason why his earned run average for July is 6.75 behind a 2-1 record. Hammel has buckled down since while the Cubs have played better at home after returning from the All-Star break.

Ranaudo (1-0, 17.18 ERA) made his last appearance on May 10 against the White Sox was traded to them just two days later after he was charged with five earned runs on as many hits in just 1 1/3 innings.

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This will be his first start of the 2016 campaign and his 10th since making his big league debut with the Boston Red Sox back in 2014. The home run ball has been his downfall as he has given up 13 in nine starts.

The Chicago Cubs need to be able to take advantage of this weakness, especially with runners in scoring position. Tonight’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. central time and will air live on WGN, ESPN (out of market), and 670 The Score.