Jake Arrieta (16-5, 2.84 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (87-47) take on Madison Bumgarner (13-8, 2.49 ERA) and the San Francisco Giants (72-62) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the third of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 2-1, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 3 and can be seen on CSCh and CSBA.
Arrieta pitched 6.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs, striking out three and walking three in an 8-7 win over the Pirates. Anthony Rizzo (.292, 80 Rs, 26 HRs, 93 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4. Bumgarner went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking two in a 13-4 win over the Braves in his last outing. Hunter Pence (.285, 39 Rs, 10 HRs, 45 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
San Francisco has won 54% (27-23) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 68% (47-22) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Giants are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Cubs have a 35-3 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
With records of 8-28 and 12-42 respectively, the Cubs and the Giants both perform poorly when they are outhit by their opponent.
Ranking 28th in home runs, San Francisco has hit 111 this season. Chicago ranks 12th with 167 home runs.
Ranking first in walks, Chicago has earned 547 this season. San Francisco ranks fourth with 480 walks.
The Cubs are 64-24 when they hit at least one home run. The Giants perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 47-30 record.