Los Angeles @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 19, 2018 ) LA Dodgers 4, Chi. Cubs 3
With the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs both surging recently, their three-game series at Wrigley Field this week might feel like a preview of a third consecutive National League Championship Series meeting. But Cubs manager Joe Maddon doesn’t want his team thinking that way when the series begins with a split doubleheader on Tuesday.
“I don't like to add too much weight to any given game,” Maddon told reporters. “I don't care if we're playing the Dodgers or any team that might be in [our] division. That's a trap.” The scheduled series opener was postponed Monday due to a limited power outage at Wrigley Field and rain in the forecast throughout the night, so the teams will get started with a day game and play again under the lights Tuesday night. The Cubs have won 14 of their last 20 and regained a share of the NL Central lead with Milwaukee’s loss Monday. The Dodgers have been just as hot, winning 21 of their last 28 to climb back into contention in the NL West.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, ABC 7 (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-2, 6.20 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (2-2, 3.31)
Hill hasn’t pitched since May 19, when he left after throwing two pitches because of a blister on his throwing hand. The 38-year-old former Cub has posted only one quality start in six outings this season, and it came in his season debut April 1. Hill has faced the Cubs only one in the regular season, recording two outs in relief in 2011, but he has held his former team to one run over 11 innings across two playoff starts.
Montgomery continues to make a strong case to stay in the rotation when Yu Darvish returns from the disabled list. The 28-year-old has posted a 1.14 ERA in four starts, allowing only two hits in three of those outings and one run or fewer in all four. Montgomery is 0-0 with a 4.15 ERA in three games (one start) against the Dodgers in the regular season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers INF-OF Enrique Hernandez is 7-for-19 with three homers during a six-game hitting streak, while 3B Justin Turner has gone 6-for-20 with a homer while hitting in five straight contests.
2. Cubs INF Javier Baez, who was hit on the left elbow by a Jack Flaherty pitch Sunday, told reporters he hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday.
3. Chicago placed LHP Brian Duensing on the bereavement list Monday and recalled LHP Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Cubs 4