Clay Holmes takes the mound for the Chicago Cubs in game two of their final matchup against the Pirates of the season. Friday saw the Cubs blow out the Pirates by ten runs, and as the Wild Card race heats up, Chicago needs any win it can get right now. With the Cubs dropping four in a row, three of which were to the rival Brewers, it was a much needed win.
Across 86 innings pitched this season, Holmes boasts a 2.83 ERA, one of the best on the Cubs. Pitching struggles has long since defined the Cubs season, which is precisely how Holmes came to Chicago earlier this season. His last start against Miami was his worst as a Cub, only throwing for 4.1 innings and allowing eight earned runs. Having only allowed 27 earned runs all season long between Chicago and the Mets, eight runs within a single game is significant.
Clay Holmes has an immediate chance to answer his worst Cubs start
With the season coming to a close, and the Wild Card race heavily on the minds of fans, Holmes now has a shot to redeem himself from the infractions of the past. Holmes has had a very positive impact on the Cubs since his arrival, and considering his opportunities are dwindling, Holmes should make his impact now. His season has been excellent and the Cubs need him to finish strong.
Saturday's game has Paul Skenes as the opposing pitcher, though Skenes has not enjoyed the dominance he's seen in previous seasons. Provided we see the consistent version of Holmes the Cubs have enjoyed since the deadline, they should have no problem winning this game.
Chicago and Philadelphia currently sit tied upon the top of the Wild Card standings at 2.5+. The Diamondbacks have been hot on the heels of the Padres, who holds the third Wild Card slot, but Pittsburgh is only 5.5 games behind them. It's very unlikely, but theoretically possible that Pittsburgh could seize one of those slots.
But not if Holmes does his job today.
The Cubs brought Holmes to Chicago for meaningful games like this one, and Saturday gives him the opportunity to prove Miami was an aberration. A return to form would secure another needed victory and strengthen Chicago’s position heading into October.
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