The Cubs last won a series three weeks ago, defeating the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Since then they have lost five straight series, going 6-11 -- and yet, have lost only 1.5 games on the division lead in that time.
There's still a huge uphill climb. But I believe it still can be done, although it will not be easy. Winning this series would be a good start; a win today would also put the Cubs over .500 in interleague play for this year (currently 4-4).
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Neither Wells nor Braden has faced today's opponent before; Marlon Byrd has gone 6-for-16 (three doubles) off Braden in AL action. Wells has faced Adam Rosales (2-for-6) and Kevin Kouzmanoff (0-for-3) before. Since his perfect game, Braden has been quite a bit less than perfect -- in six starts, 0-4 with a 4.75 ERA in 36 innings. Let's hope that continues today.
Today's game is on CSN Chicago and CSN California. Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
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Today's first pitch thread will be up at 1:15 pm CDT, and the overflows will post at 2:15, 3:15 and 4 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.