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

The Cubs set their lineup for facing a lefthander.

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

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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