Chicago @ Philadelphia preview
Citizens Bank Park
Last Meeting ( Sep 1, 2018 ) Chi. Cubs 7, Philadelphia 1
The Chicago Cubs’ lineup is more menacing than ever, but the team will have to face one of the league’s best pitchers in the finale of its three-game road series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Cy Young Award contender Aaron Nola will try to shut down Chicago’s potent offense when he squares off against Jon Lester in a matchup of All-Stars.
Kris Bryant returned to the lineup after being sidelined since July 23 and recorded two hits to help the Cubs to a 7-1 triumph on Saturday, evening the series at one win apiece. The Cubs have captured nine of their last 11 contests as they own the best record in the National League. Chicago also owns a 4 1/2-game lead over both St. Louis and Milwaukee in the NL Central. The Phillies have gone 8-14 since Aug. 8 and slipped three games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS, WGN (Chicago), NBCS Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (14-5, 3.67 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (15-3, 2.10)
Lester had a few bumpy outings coming out of the All-Star break, but he has returned to form recently, posting a 2.04 ERA over his last three starts. The 34-year-old allowed three runs over six innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets last time out. Lester is 7-0 with a 1.64 ERA in nine career starts versus the Phillies.
Nola’s start was moved up a day so he could pitch at home, where he is 9-0 with a 1.94 ERA in 13 outings this season. The 25-year-old ace hasn’t lost since July 14 and has allowed fewer than three runs in six straight outings. Nola is 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bryant went 2-for-4 with a double and scored a run in his return from a stint on the disabled list due to left shoulder inflammation.
2. Phillies C Wilson Ramos went 1-for-3 on Saturday and is 16-for-40 with eight extra-base hits in 11 games since being acquired from Tampa Bay.
3. Chicago INF Javier Baez needs one home run and one RBI to becomes the fifth Cubs player with 30 blasts and 100 RBIs in a season by the campaign during which they reach the age of 25, joining Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Ernie Banks and Ron Santo.
PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Cubs 2