Cubs NLDS Game 2 lineup: Albert Almora Jr. leads off

Here’s the Cubs’ lineup for Game 2, which should not really include too many surprises for you.

Albert Almora Jr., who had an outstanding September (.347/.347/.653, 17-for-49 with four doubles, a triple and three home runs) and who crushes lefthanded pitching (.342/.411/.486, 38-for-111, four home runs) gets the leadoff slot tonight against Nationals lefthander Gio Gonzalez. Almora has three career PA against Gonzalez — all walks, which is another one of Gonzalez’ issues, as he led all N.L. pitchers in walks this year.

Jason Heyward sits against Gonzalez, giving Joe Maddon an all-righthanded lineup (except for Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Jon Lester). Both of the Cubs’ switch-hitters, Ben Zobrist and Ian Happ, are starting this one, Happ getting his first postseason start. Righthanders, as you might guess, hit the lefty Gonzalez better than lefthanded batters:

If the Cubs have a late-inning lead, you can be sure Heyward will enter the game for defense.

A full game preview will post at 2:30 p.m. CT.

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