Jon Lester (15-4, 2.61 ERA) gets the ball for the Chicago Cubs (89-50) as they go up against Joe Musgrove (2-3, 5.06 ERA) and the Houston Astros (74-66) in the first of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 9 and will air on RTSW and WGN.
In his most recent outing, Musgrove pitched 4.1 innings, giving up five runs, striking out three and walking two in a 12-4 loss to the Rangers. George Springer (.259, 107 Rs, 26 HRs, 75 RBIs, 9 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs. The Cubs were victorious over the Giants 2-1 the last time Lester pitched. He went 9.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out four and walking two. Anthony Rizzo (.295, 85 Rs, 29 HRs, 97 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
Houston has won 56% (37-29) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 68% (48-23) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Cubs are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Astros have a 20-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Cubs are 75-15. The Astros have a 53-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 12th, Houston is in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 647 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at third with 697.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.747). Chicago ranks in the top five with an OPS of .772.
When the Cubs allow at least one home run, they are 46-40, well-matched with the Astros who are 47-45 when allowing at least one homer.
