The four-game series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs is about to end later tonight at Wrigley Field. On the mound for the Cards is staff ace Michael Wacha, who is going to make his last start of the season’s first half against Chicago. As for the Cubs, they’ll counter Wacha with Jason Hammel, who is eyeing his first win in three starts.
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[sc:MLB240banner ]Different month, same dominant form. That has been the story for Michael Wacha in his first outing this July, as he yielded just one run (a home run) on five hits in seven innings, albeit in a 2-1 loss to San Diego last Thursday.
Wacha has definitely solidified his place in Cy Young discussions with a terrific first half. So far this season, Wacha has a 10-6 record and a 2.66 ERA, second and eighth overall in the National League, respectively. He’ll take the mound at Wrigley Field later tonight, looking to even better those numbers against a team he’s had little trouble of dealing in the past. Since breaking into the majors in 2013, Wacha has made five starts against the Cubs, coming up with a 3-1 record and a 2.87 ERA. In his most recent start opposite the Cubs, Wacha struck out five in six innings and gave up only one run on six hits in the Cards’ crushing 8-1 victory on June 27.
Among those who hit well in that contest were Jason Heyward (2-for-3) and Kolten Wong (2-for-4). Heyward has done well in his career against Jason Hammel, as he is 9-for-16 (.563) against the Cubs’ starter. Johnny Peralta, meanwhile is 9-for-22 (.409) with two homers and eight RBIs in the same matchup.
Jason Hammel (5-4, 2.89 ERA) could use a hug after his most recent outing. Hammel pitched for seven innings and allowed just two runs on four hits on July 3 against Miami. Unfortunately, two of those hits were home runs, which were enough for the Marlins to beat Chicago, 2-1.
Hammel can bounce right back with a matchup against the division-leading Cardinals, whom he had struggled to contain the last time he faced them. Hammel is 1-3 with a 6.57 ERA in five career starts versus St. Louis.
Prior to his start against the Marlins, Hammel was roughed up by St. Louis, as he gave up four earned runs on six hits in six innings of work in the team’s 4-1 loss. Hammel did strike out seven, though, so that’s something that’ll pump him in the rematch with the Cards. Speaking of strikeouts, Hammel is inside the top 20 in the majors in K/9 and (9.12) and K% (25.6 %).
After scoring just one run in each of Hammel’s last two starts, the Cubs’ offense are pressed to deliver the goods at the plate later tonight. Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo may just be the guys to help Hammel, as they go up against Wacha. Lake is 7-for-14 (.500) with a double and a homer in his career against Wacha. Rizzo, on the other hand, is 5-for-14 (.357) with a homer also against the Cards’ righty.
The under is 8-2 in the last 10 home starts of Hammel, who keeps a 1-1 record and a 2.25 ERA in seven starts at Wrigley Field thus far this season.
