John Lackey Outduels Jon Lester In Battle Of Former Red Sox Pitchers

Lester came into Chicago this offseason and was expected to be the unquestioned ace of the Cubs’ remodeled staff. However, a 4-8 record, 3.59 ERA, and 1.26 WHIP, along with a very publicized issue with picking off runners at first base, led to him having a slightly underwhelming first half.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester responds to a question…

What’s Not: Rookie phenom Kris Bryant went 0-for-3 in the NL Wild Card Game and scuffled his way to a 1-for-10 line in the last three games of the regular season, and the Cubs will need him to perform better in the heart of their order.

“I think it’s going the full gammit”, said another. We’ve toed it up before we knew each other. The Cardinals were outscored 12-0 the final three games at Atlanta after wrapping up their third straight NL Central title. This is the first time in over 2000 matchups the two teams have faced each other in the postseason. Maddon’s players pulled off a 4-0 win against Pittsburgh on Wednesday night behind the dominant pitching of Jake Arrieta, who held the Pirates to an anemic four hits in a complete game performance.

Kyle Hendricks will oppose the Cardinals’ Jaime Garcia in Game 2 Saturday.

According to SeatGeek.com tickets for games one and two of the series in St. Louis can be had for $150.

The biggest involves All-Star catcher Yadier Molina, who has worn a brace protecting the strained ligament in his left thumb during practice in recent days. The Cubs have made the postseason four times since 1996, and every single one of them was during a season the Cardinals missed: 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008.

The White Sox, ostensible team of the city’s blue-collar rank and file, traditionally denigrate Cubs fans as effete yuppies enamored with the atmosphere of Wrigley Field, the team’s picturesque, 101-year-old ballpark, and more interested in the idea of baseball than baseball itself. They can;t afford to disappear against this team. The Mets have Jacob DeGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Matt Harvey. The righthander isn’t about to compare himself to Kershaw, except in one area.

“You go through enough adversity, you’re bound to grow from it if you’re paying attention, and he pays close attention”, Matheny said.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw looks on during…

In a non-playing note from this game, veteran Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will not be behind the mic for any of this year’s playoff games for the Dodgers. Scully said in August he expects next season will be his last in the booth… Kerry Wood fanned 11 Marlins in 2003 and Orval Overall struck out 10 in Game 5 of the 1908 World Series.