Chicago Cubs’ Jake Arrieta looks to continue his dominance vs. Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs and Jake Arrieta look to take the finale of the three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Arrieta has had their number and will need it again to get the series win this afternoon.

The Chicago Cubs‘ Jake Arrieta has dominated the St. Louis Cardinals, but most of that has been at Wrigley Field. He’s been a little more vulnerable at Busch Stadium (2-1, 3.29 ERA), but should still have the upper hand against the Cards. Ian Happ will be in the lineup again, looking to continue a strong start after homering in his MLB debut on Saturday.

The Cubs (18-18) have gotten quality starts in four of their last six, and Jon Lester just missed one yesterday as he missed the six inning cutoff by one out. Arrieta (4-2, 5.35) hasn’t been the same pitcher as he was in 2015, but he was still one of the top-tier starters last season. This year, there’s been a decrease in velocity and it’s making the once untouchable Arrieta look mortal.

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For the Cards (20-15), three-time All-Star Adam Wainwright (2-3, 6.37) is still trying to find what made him a once dominant starter in the Cards rotation. He’s been inconsistent, completing six innings just once in his seven starts. The Cubs offense has struggled, but Wainwright might be just what the doctor ordered to help break their slump.

The Cubs’ No. 2 prospect Ian Happ made his debut yesterday and he made it a memorable one. Happ hit a two-run home run in the seventh to pull the Cubs within two. He also reached on an error, walked and struck out. The Cubs trail the Cards by just two games and will begin a 10-game homestand on Tuesday.

Here are the lineups for today’s series finale:

First pitch is set for 1:15 p.m. CT at Busch Stadium. MLBN (Out of market only) and WGN will have the television coverage while 670 The Score will have the radio broadcast. Check back throughout the game and after for more Cubs’ news!