Vince Velasquez (5-2, 3.67 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (29-30) meet John Lackey (6-2, 2.88 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (40-17) in the last of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the last game 3-2, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 1:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jun. 8 and will air on CSPh and CSCh.
In his most recent outing, Velasquez pitched 4.1 innings, giving up two runs, striking out six and walking three in a 6-3 victory over the Brewers. Odubel Herrera (.319, 32 Rs, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Cubs were also victorious the last time Lackey pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out nine and walking two in a 6-0 victory over the Diamondbacks. Anthony Rizzo (.260, 34 Rs, 13 HRs, 42 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 20-5, while Philadelphia is 11-14.
The Cubs managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Phillies who are heading in with a 10-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 18-3. The Cubs have a 32-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 191 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at third with 305.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.659). Chicago ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .772.
The Cubs are 18-12 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Phillies are 10-25 when they allow at least one homer.
