The Philadelphia Phillies open a three-game series in the Windy City on Tuesday when they play the Chicago Cubs.
The Phillies are off on Monday, but lost to the San Francisco Giants 6-1 on Sunday. The loss was the Phillies third straight as they were swept by the Giants. Jake Arrieta, now 5-3, took the loss and was visibly upset following the game saying the team’s defensive shifts were poor and that the team must come together if they want to remain in contention.
The Cubs beat the New York Mets on Sunday 2-0 to sweep a four-game set and win their seventh game in their last eight played. Chicago has moved to 10 games over .500 and is just two games behind first place Milwaukee in the NL Central.
Oduebel Herrera leads the Phillies with a .305 batting average and a team high 64 hits. Carlos Santana leads in home runs with nine and RBIs with 33. Philadelphia has a team batting average of .233 while opposing hitters are averaging .240 at the plate against Phillies pitching. On Tuesday, the Phillies will send Zach Eflin to the mound. The right-hander this season is 1-2 with an ERA of 4.50, 29 Ks and 8 BBs.
Albert Almora Jr. leads the Cubs with a .317 batting average. Kris Bryant has a team high 58 hits, while Javier Baez leads in home runs with 14 and RBIs with 45. Chicago has a team batting average of 266, while opposing hitters are averaging .217 at the plate against Cubs pitching. On Tuesday, the Cubs will send Kyle Hendricks to the mound. The right-hander this season is 4-4 with an ERA of 3.19, 52 Ks and 14 BBs.
