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The Phillies and Cubs face off in a pivotal early-season matchup, with the home team looking to build on their series lead.Chicago Today
The Philadelphia Phillies will host the Chicago Cubs in the second game of their series, with the Phillies holding a 1-0 advantage. The Phillies are 8-8 overall and 5-5 at home, while the Cubs are 7-9 overall and 3-4 on the road. Pitching probables are Riley Martin for the Cubs and Aaron Nola for the Phillies.
Why it matters
This early-season matchup between the Phillies and Cubs is an important one, as both teams look to gain ground in their respective divisions. The Phillies will aim to build on their series lead, while the Cubs will try to even things up.
The details
The Phillies won the first game of the series 5-3. In that game, Justin Crawford led the Phillies with a .306 batting average, four doubles, a triple, four walks and an RBI. Bryce Harper has also been hot, going 13-for-33 with two home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games. For the Cubs, Ian Happ leads the team with four home runs and a .474 slugging percentage, while Dansby Swanson is 6-for-35 with three home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games.
The teams meet Tuesday for the second time this season.
The players
Riley Martin
The starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs in Game 2, making his season debut with a 0.00 ERA and 0.60 WHIP in limited action so far.
Aaron Nola
The starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2, posting a 1-1 record with a 3.63 ERA and 1.10 WHIP, along with 19 strikeouts on the season.
Justin Crawford
The Phillies’ leadoff hitter who has a .306 batting average, four doubles, a triple, four walks and an RBI so far this season.
Bryce Harper
The Phillies’ star slugger who has been hot at the plate, going 13-for-33 with two home runs and seven RBIs over the past 10 games.
Ian Happ
The Cubs’ leading power hitter with four home runs and a .474 slugging percentage on the season.
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What they’re saying
“We’re looking forward to building on our series lead and getting another win at home.”
— Aaron Nola, Phillies Pitcher
“We need to find a way to even up the series and get back on track offensively.”
— Ian Happ, Cubs Outfielder
What’s next
The winner of Game 2 will take a 2-0 series lead heading into the next game in Chicago.
The takeaway
This early-season series between the Phillies and Cubs is an important one, as both teams look to gain ground in their respective divisions. The Phillies will aim to build on their series lead, while the Cubs will try to even things up and get their offense going.