Chicago Cubs: Right-hander Kyle Hendricks, bats look to keep rolling

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks takes the ball for the Chicago Cubs Thursday night in the opener against the Atlanta Braves, looking for a fourth-straight win.

The Chicago Cubs’ current homestand could not have started any better. The club dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates, sweeping a three-game series. In Wednesday’s finale, Chicago ran off a season-high 20 base hits en route to a blowout win.

Chicago (72-60) hands the ball to Kyle Hendricks (5-4, 3.45) in the series opener against Atlanta (59-72), a team the Cubs should handle. According to MLB.com, the Braves are 4-12 over the last four years against the North Siders.

His last time out, Hendricks tossed seven innings of two-run ball against the Phillies. Since rejoining the rotation, the right-hander has been incredibly effective, helping lead the team’s resurgence. Chicago enters the series 3 1/2 games up in the National League Central.

Behind Hendricks, Jon Jay leads things off and plays center field. The veteran made several dazzling plays on Wednesday and continues to lead this club in every way imaginable. With left-hander Sean Newcomb on the mound for Atlanta, Kyle Schwarber sits in lieu of Albert Almora in the outfield.

Newcomb (2-7, 4.36) started against the Cubs earlier this year, allowing five earned in 5 1/3 innings of work.

Starting lineups

Next: Help on the waiver wire for Chicago? Probably not.

What’s Next

Chicago and Atlanta continue their series throughout the weekend at Wrigley Field.

On Friday, John Lackey (10-10, 4.98) battles Mike Foltynewicz (10-10, 4.84) in matinee action. First pitch is at 1:20 p.m. CT.