Rangers @ Cubs: Perez vs Hendricks (Game 89)
Back in the saddle again.TEX (54-36): LHP Martin Perez (7-5, 3.85)
CHC (53-35): RHP Kyle Hendricks (7-6, 2.55)
First pitch: 1:20pmCST
Hendricks, the de facto ace of the staff, gets the important first-after-the-Break nod. The Rangers draftee last appeared on July 7th in two innings of relief of Hammel in a pathetic 4-3 loss to the Braves. Hendricks had won against the Reds on the 4th (5.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 1 BB). In his last four appearances, he’s 3-0 with a 1.08. Only Desmond (2-5, HR) and the DL’d Stubbs (1-0) have faced him.
Perez got knocked around and took the loss in Boston last Wednesday (4 IP, 7 ER, 1 K, 2 BB). He went 4-0 with a 4.15 in June and is 1-4 with a 5.23 so far this season on the road. Only Zobrist (1-5) and Fowler (0-3) have seen him.
The Rangers, like the Cubs, had a bit of a pre-All Star Game skid, going 3-9 over the last two weeks. Pitching has been a problem for both. The Rangers combined ERA is 9.21, and the ERA for the Cub starters is 8.81. Both teams will be looking to get back to their winnings ways.
The Cubs last played the Rangers in 2013, when the Cubs took the series at Wrigley. Since interleague started the teams have split the twelve games.
Speaking of history, we were so busy losing and drinking that we blew past the TCR 15th anniversary last month without notice. The typical gift is crystal, but nuts to that. We all know what we want, so let's make that happen.
In any event, thanks for making us part of your Cubs experience--and for making the site what it is. You are the wind blowing out to our bleachers.
Darvish (2-0, 2.87) versus Hammel (7-5, 3.46) tomorrow at 1:20pmCST.
Go Cubs!
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