Philadelphia @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 31, 2013 ) Philadelphia 3, Chi. Cubs 4
The Chicago Cubs haven't won consecutive home games since early July, a situation they'll try to remedy when they host the Philadelphia Phillies in the finale of a three-game series Sunday. The Cubs held on for a 4-3 win Saturday - only their fourth victory in their last 21 home contests - and are in position for their first series win in front of their fans since taking two of three from Pittsburgh on July 5-7.
The Phillies haven't lost two straight since a four-game skid from Aug. 13-17, and they've won or split three straight series. The Cubs have dropped 14 of 19 overall and are in last place in the National League Central. Chicago needs a win to salvage a split of the six-game season series.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, PHL 17 (Philadelphia), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Kyle Kendrick (10-11, 4.40 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (2-3, 5.91)
Kendrick has lost three straight decisions and four of his last five, but he didn't get much help his last time out. The Phillies made a pair of errors behind him to lead to four unearned runs in a 5-0 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday. Kendrick also didn't help himself with four walks. The 29-year-old is 1-1 with a 2.86 ERA in five games (four starts) against the Cubs, and he beat them in the first meeting this year despite allowing five runs (four earned) in six innings.
Arrieta was outstanding in his first two starts with Chicago but has been roughed up in his last two outings. He was tagged for four runs over five innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday and has surrendered nine walks in as many innings over his last two starts. Arrieta faced the Phillies once last year and was shelled for nine runs on 11 hits in four innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Phillies traded 1B/3B Michael Young to the Dodgers late Saturday.
2. Cubs SS Starlin Castro has multiple hits in three of his last four games and belted the game-winning homer Saturday. He is 0-for-9 against Kendrick.
3. Philadelphia rookie 3B Cody Asche, who is riding a nine-game hitting streak, has missed three straight games with a sore hamstring but should return to the lineup Sunday.
PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Cubs 4