Jon Lester (4-3, 2.60 ERA) gets the ball for the Chicago Cubs (31-14) as they go up against Adam Morgan (1-2, 5.61 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (26-21) in the first of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The game starts at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 27 and will air on TCN and CSCh.
In his most recent outing, Lester pitched 2.2 innings, giving up five runs, striking out one and walking three in a 5-3 loss to the Giants. Ben Zobrist (.346, 34 Rs, 6 HRs, 31 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 3 for 5 with one run and two RBIs. The Phillies were unsuccessful against the Braves 2-0 the last time Morgan pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out one and walking two. Maikel Franco (.260, 13 Rs, 8 HRs, 26 RBIs) has been doing well, going 2 for 4 Wednesday.
Notes
Philadelphia has won 47% (9-10) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 81% (17-4) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Phillies are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Cubs have a 4-4 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Cubs are 25-4. The Phillies have a 16-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 155 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at third with 256.
Ranking 28th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.660). Chicago ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .785.
The Phillies are 9-16 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Cubs are 13-10 when they allow at least one homer.
