Chicago Cubs Notes: Jake Arrieta takes ball in opener against Red Sox

For the first time since 2014, the Chicago Cubs visit Fenway Park, taking on the reigning AL East champion Boston Red Sox this weekend.

Set on one of Major League Baseball’s most historic stages, Fenway Park, the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox will battle this weekend in a weekend series between some of the most talented teams in the game.

Chicago, coming off a series win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, hands the ball to right-hander Jake Arrieta (3-0, 3.65 ERA), who is looking to tie for the NL lead with his fourth win of the month.

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The young Red Sox lineup hasn’t seen a lot of Arrieta, which could play in the 2015 NL Cy Young winner’s favor in Friday’s opener. His last time out, the right-hander allowed four earned over six innings of work, getting the win in a 12-8 victory over the Reds on the road.

Opposite Arrieta is left-hander Drew Pomeranz (1-1, 4.60 ERA). In his career, the southpaw has dominated the Cubs, pitching to a sub-1.50 ERA in three outings.

Players to watch

Keep an eye on Jason Heyward and Kris Bryant tonight. Against the Red Sox starter, both players carry batting averages north of .300 into action.

Heyward, of course, has been white-hot lately, driving the ball with authority all over the diamond. Outside of the offense, watch Arrieta closely. He took a no-no into the eighth three years ago in Boston.

Lineups

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What’s Next

Chicago (12-9) and Boston (11-10) open the three-game weekend tilt Friday night at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 6:10 PM CT on 670 WSCR AM and CSN Chicago.