It’s lefty versus lefty tonight at Wrigley Field, as the Detroit Tigers (56-61) give the ball to Daniel Norris, while the Chicago Cubs (67-49) counter with Jon Lester. Will the Tigers find success in Norris and bolster their dim chance of making the postseason? Or will the Cubs strengthen their grip of the final National League wild card spot and make manager Joe Maddon think about wearing the same pair of socks again?
Read on for a detailed preview of this game. You can also click here for an overview of Wednesday’s matchup between the Giants and the Cards.
[sc:MLB240banner ]Daniel Norris (2-2, 4.24 ERA) wants to prove that he’s more than just a guy who gained fame for living in a van. Outdueling Jon Lester later tonight is one step closer towards that goal, as the 22-year-old lefty takes on the Cubs.
Norris, who was traded from Toronto to the Tigers late July, is 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in three starts for Detroit thus far. In Norris’ most recent start, he picked up a no-decision, as he tossed six plus innings and allowed three runs on six hits in a 7-4 win over division leader, Kansas City. Norris was far from excellent in that game (he issued three walks, too) but was fortunate that the Tigers’ offense was there to back him up.
Speaking of offense, Detroit isn’t that far from Norris’ former team when it comes to providing ample run support, as the Tigers are 11th in the league with a 4.37 RS/9. They have even poured in at least six runs in two of Norris’ three starts with the team. With a lineup composed of mainstays like Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, Norris can expect some wiggle room to work on against Chicago.
For one, the pair of Cabrera and Martinez has been a headache for Cubs starter, Jon Lester. Cabrera is 14-for-25 (.560) in his career against Lester, while Martinez is 8-for-19 (.421).
Jon Lester (8-8, 3.21 ERA) is pitching like it’s the postseason these days. Known for his strong performances during Octobers, Lester has compiled a 4-0 record and a 2.04 ERA in his past five starts, which includes the Cubs’ 9-2 win over Milwaukee on August 13.
Lester skewered the Brewers, as the lefty pitched six innings and allowed just two runs on seven hits and struck out 10 to become the first Cubs southpaw to amass at least four 10 K starts in a season. Lester is also eyeing to keep his unblemished August record later tonight. He is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA and a .265 opponents’ batting average thus far this month.
Backing Lester, meanwhile, is the Cubs’ offense that has averaged 4.1 runs this second half. Dexter Fowler is hitting well atop the order, going 8-for-22 (.364) over his last six games. Kris Bryant is also doing some decent work of late, as he is 6-for-24 (.250) with a home run and six RBIs during the same stretch.
