Atlanta @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 21, 2010 ) Atlanta 4, Chi. Cubs 5
Derrek Lee has come through with numerous clutch hits during his seven seasons playing with the Chicago Cubs.
On Sunday, Lee will have one last chance to record his first hit against them as a member of the Atlanta Braves.
With zero hits in seven at-bats in his new uniform, Lee will guide the NL East-leading Braves (72-51) into Sunday's finale of a three-game series against the Cubs (51-73) at Wrigley Field.
Atlanta still holds a 2 1/2-game lead in the division over the Philadelphia Phillies (69-53), who fell to the Washington Nationals on Saturday evening.
Hours earlier, Aramis Ramirez and rookie Tyler Colvin belted a pair of run-scoring singles and Tom Gorzelanny collected his first victory in nearly one month as the Cubs held on for a 5-4 triumph over the Braves.
Atlanta made a spirited charge - highlighted by a three-run eighth inning - but the Cubs held on to snap their five-game losing streak. The victory also ended an eight-game skid at Wrigley Field.
Chicago closer Carlos Marmol redeemed himself after failing to secure Friday's encounter by retiring the side in the ninth inning for his 22nd save of the season.
In doing so, he left Lee at first base after issuing a four-pitch walk to lead off the frame.
As for the series, Lee does have a pair of free passes to go along with his three strikeouts, but the veteran slugger would love to have a hit against his former club.
Looking to prevent that is Randy Wells (5-11, 4.44 ERA), who tends to have little margin for error in his starts. The 27-year-old right-hander has received two runs or fewer of support in 13 of 16 outings this season.
In his last outing, Wells permitted just one run and three hits while fanning seven in as many innings. How did he fare, you ask? You guessed it, a 1-0 loss to the NL West-leading San Diego Padres.
Wells has fared well against the Braves, however. He is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three career starts against Bobby Cox's club.
Atlanta will counter with rookie Mike Minor (1-0, 3.75 ERA), who notched his first career win in his last outing. The 22-year-old southpaw permitted just two runs in six innings as the Braves blasted the Washington Nationals, 10-2, on Tuesday.
Also on Sunday, the Cubs are expected to activate catcher Geovany Soto from the disabled list. Soto, who has been sidelined with a sprained ligament in his right shoulder, could provide some punch to the team's offense.
Soto is batting .288 with 15 home runs and 45 RBIs this season.