Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves simulated game, Friday 7/10, 3 p.m. CT

With three days to go before the simulated All-Star break, the simCubs are riding high in the N.L. Central, leading by 11½ games and with a magic number to clinch the division of 59.

Normally it would be somewhat early to talk magic numbers, but the number is below 60 and we are just in the second week of July.

So let’s hope they can keep things rolling against the simBraves, who are also in solid charge in the N.L. East.

Here at BCB, we are going to play simulated games for every game on the Cubs‘ 2020 original schedule via MLB The Show 20. Now that we have had an announcement of an actual 2020 season, we are going to continue these daily simulations through at least July 23, when the 60-game season is scheduled to begin. No matter what happens to the actual 2020 MLB season, we will play out the entire simulated season offline and let you know the results.

Here is the complete BCB Mediacenter where all our BCB simulated games will be located. You can watch previous games which are all archived there, but please note: We won’t have the actual link to the live broadcast of today’s specific game until it starts. At that time, Duane will drop the direct link into the comments to this post around 3 p.m CT. Until then you can use the link in this paragraph as a guide to where to find the game. All of our simulated games will begin at 3 p.m. CT.

Here are today’s particulars.

This is Game 94 of the 2020 season, Cubs vs. Braves at Truist Park, the first of a three-game series. The Cubs enter today with a 64-29 record. The Braves are 59-35.

Jon Lester will start for the Cubs. Felix Hernandez will start for the Braves.

Today’s lineups:

Cubs

Rizzo 1B, Bryant 3B, Baez SS, Contreras C, Happ CF, Heyward RF, Hoerner LF, Kipnis 2B, Lester P

Braves

Albies 2B, Markakis RF, Freeman 1B, Acuna CF, Ozuna LF, d’Arnaud C, Culberson 3B, Swanson SS, Hernandez P

There won’t be any traditional-style “recaps” of these games. Duane will post some clips and boxscores in his Cub Tracks and Baseball history unpacked posts the morning after each game, so we can track this simulated season as it unfolds. We’ll post the standings as each day goes by.

A note on the headline here, because I know you’re going to ask: This is a real thread. The game is what is simulated.

Looking to join in on the fun? If so, you can get your own copy of MLB The Show. Here’s where you can order the game.

Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves.