[Biggp07]

We have a three-game series at home against the Chicago Cubs that was originally scheduled to start last night, but the weather has postponed the game to a doubleheader today. The Cubs are posting a .452 winning percentage this season, with a record of 47 wins and 57 losses. They sit in fifth place in the Central Division, 8.5 games behind the leader. Their total runs scored are 410, ranking 15th in the National League, and their .236 batting average is 14th. On the defensive side, they have allowed 470 runs (eighth), with their starters posting an ERA of 4.50, which is eighth. Their bullpen has an ERA of 3.97, also ranking eighth.

Here are the projected pitching matchups:
RHP S. Lugo (3-8, 5.38 ERA) vs LHP S. Imanaga (8-12, 4.09 ERA)
RHP C. Hernandez (4-4, 4.69 ERA) vs RHP C. Horton (3-6, 6.27 ERA)
RHP Z. Eflin (4-8, 4.25 ERA) vs RHP H. Wesneski (1-4, 4.56 ERA)

The top 5 players on their team are:
1. SP Shota Imanaga (Age: 30, Overall: 65, Potential: 65)
2. SS Dansby Swanson (30, 60, 60)
3. CF Cody Bellinger (29, 55, 55)
4. 1B Michael Busch (26, 55, 60)
5. RF Seiya Suzuki (29, 55, 55)

Game #1 Summary – July 27th – Chicago Hands Kansas City 7-2 Defeat



Chicago beat Kansas City in a rain-soaked game. Chicago pitcher Justin Steele played a big part in his team’s 7-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. The left-hander kept opposing batters in check throughout the game. Steele, the winning pitcher, improves to 11-8. He pitched 7 innings, allowing 4 hits, striking out 9, and issuing 2 walks. Chicago third baseman Christopher Morel provided a key at-bat in the top of the seventh. With two outs, he hit a fastball to left field for a 2-run single. It was his 88th hit of the season and put the Cubs ahead, 5-1.

Justin was exceptional, and he pitched with a purpose," said Chicago manager Craig Counsell. The Cubs, at 48-57, sit in last place in the National League Central Division.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Justin Steele
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Rain (85 degrees), wind blowing out to the center at 12 mph
Start Time: 2:40 PM CT
Time: 4:05
Attendance: 29189
Special Notes: 2B Nico Hoerner was injured while running the bases. Rain delay of 26 minutes in the 8th inning.

Game #2 Summary – July 27th – Shota Imanaga Blanks Kansas City, 5-0



Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs was impressive in shutting out the Kansas City Royals, 5-0, at Kauffman Stadium. He pitched a 3-hit shutout, striking out 6 batters while walking 2 in the game. This year, Imanaga has posted 9 wins and 12 losses in 22 starts with a 3.88 ERA, striking out 169 batters and issuing 49 walks over 171.2 innings.

GAME NOTES
Player of the Game: Shota Imanaga
Ballpark: Kauffman Stadium
Weather: Partly Cloudy (77 degrees), wind blowing left to right at 12 mph
Start Time: 6:10 PM CT
Time: 3:12
Attendance: 25986