/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57047437/usa_today_10284340.0.jpg)
Here’s the Cubs’ lineup for Game 2, which should not really include too many surprises for you.
Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup!
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 7, 2017
NLDS Game 2 preview: https://t.co/aLI4BrInMI #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/X9fyZf5cwK
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:
Why all the RH hitters in #Cubs lineup? Lefties batted .183 vs Nats' Gio Gonzalez, righties .226
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) October 7, 2017
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.
#LetsGo