In the last of a three-game series between the Atlanta Braves (18-43) and the Chicago Cubs (42-18) at Turner Field, John Gant (0-0, 6.17 ERA) and Jon Lester (7-3, 2.06 ERA) get the ball. The Cubs won the last game 8-2, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jun. 12 and will air on WGN and FSSO.
In his most recent outing, Gant pitched 2.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out two and walking one in a 12-6 loss to the Dodgers. Mallex Smith (.250, 18 Rs, 3 HRs, 20 RBIs, 9 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one stolen base. The Cubs were victorious the last time Lester pitched. He pitched well, going 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out nine in a 6-4 victory over the Phillies. Kris Bryant (.283, 45 Rs, 15 HRs, 45 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 21-5, while Atlanta is 5-16.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Braves have a 4-22 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 12-8. The Cubs have a 34-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 30th in runs, Atlanta has earned 190 this season. Chicago ranks third with 322 runs.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.618). Chicago ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .774.
The Cubs are 18-13 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Braves are 6-32 when they allow at least one homer.
