Chicago Cubs vs Philadelphia Phillies – Series Preview (April 20-23): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (12-9) completed a three-game sweep of the Mets at Wrigley Field this weekend to move their winning streak up to five games. The bats exploded for 23 runs in the first two contests, and the pitching led the way in a walk-off win in the 10th inning on Sunday.
Chicago’s next opponent is the team they just played before that, the Phillies (8-13), who come to Wrigley for four-games starting Monday. Things did not get any better for manager Rob Thompson and company this weekend when they got swept at home by the Braves.
Other than the first game against the Cubs last Monday, Philadelphia has been struggling mightily on offense. That is a real head scratcher with players like Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner in the lineup. It feels like this trend can’t continue for much longer with that much thunder in the batting order.
With the exception of Cristopher Sánchez, the Phillies’ starting pitching has been dreadful this year with a 5.28 ERA in the early going. Chicago took advantage in a big way at Citizens Bank Park scoring 28 runs in the three-game series.
Despite their recent shaky play, Philadelphia has a lot of talent and the North Siders can’t take them lightly. The Cubs are getting them at the right time, though, and hopefully they can avoid the Phils’ inevitable hot streak.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, April 20 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Tuesday, April 21 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, April 22 at 6:40pm CT on Marquee.
- Thursday, April 23 at 1:20pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 4/20 | Colin Rea | 35 | R | 3.63 | 2-0 | 3.58 | 5.00 |
| Aaron Nola | 32 | R | 4.03 | 1-1 | 3.53 | 4.00 | |
| 4/21 | Shōta Imanaga | 32 | L | 2.45 | 1-1 | 2.17 | 6.20 |
| Jesus Lúzardo | 28 | L | 7.94 | 1–3 | 2.86 | 6.00 | |
| 4/22 | Matthew Boyd | 35 | L | 6.75 | 1-1 | 1.84 | 5.67 |
| Taijuan Walker | 33 | R | 9.16 | 1–3 | 7.36 | 1.60 | |
| 4/23 | Edward Cabrera | 28 | R | 2.38 | 2-0 | 3.08 | 1.55 |
| Cristopher Sánchez | 29 | L | 1.59 | 2-2 | 1.68 | 4.88 |
What to Watch For
- Boyd is listed as the Wednesday starter in some places as he nears a return from bicep soreness.
- Ian Happ reached base eight times against the Mets.
- Seiya Suzuki hasn’t hit a home run since coming off the injured list.
- Imanaga has allowed a total of two runs in his last three starts combined.
