Chicago Cubs will try to reset their season at Wrigley Field
The Chicago Cubs head home to Wrigley Field hoping to get back on track.
Off to their worst start since 1997, the Chicago Cubs head home to Wrigley Field, mercifully ending what has been a nightmarish road trip to start the 2019 campaign.
Let’s briefly recap what has transpired since Opening Day. I say “briefly” because an in-depth analysis might throw Cubs’ fans into a state of depression from which they may not recover.
It started off blissfully with Jon Lester keying an opening game win against the Texas Rangers 12-4. The one who never seems to age pitched a gem and the Cubs were off to the races — or so fans thought.
Seemingly overnight, it all came crashing down. The team has gone 1-7 since, sit 5.5 games out of first place, and have looked like a mediocre Triple-A team at times. Now it appears they may already be facing long odds to make the playoffs if history is any guide.
It appears the frustration level within the dugout is reaching a crescendo, as manager Joe Maddon was recently seen expressing his frustration at the current state of things.
But now they return to Wrigley for their home opener — a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Matchup: Chicago Cubs (Jon Lester; 1-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (Jameson Taillon; 0-1, 3.46 ERA)
When: Monday, April 8th, 1:20 p.m. CST
How to Watch: With a stiff drink. But seriously, you can catch the game on ABC7.
What to Watch For: The Cubs ace and most reliable pitcher takes the mound in the hopes of getting this team back on track. Lester has been very good through his first two appearances, giving the Cubs quality starts in both games. He will face a Pirates squad that has started strong at 5-3, but coming off an emotional series with the Cincinnati Reds, that ended in a full-blown brawl. It’ll be interesting to see how the Pirates respond in the opening game, and whether they get off to a slow start.
Next. History suggests Cubs could miss playoffs. dark
Bottom Line: It’s no secret the Cubs have struggled mightily, and while history may not be on their side, but they have the right guy getting them going in the home opener. Maybe getting back within the Friendly Confines will be the spark that they need. They need to start piecing together wins and focus on taking series. They have a great opportunity against the Pirates and will follow that up with a three-game tilt against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There’s a lot of season left, but the comeback must start now.