April 13-15; @ Cardinals – Series Preview

The Cubs get their first major test of the year in St. Louis this weekend.  The Cardinals are crushing the ball, and not giving up to many runs either, that’s usually a recipe for success.  The Cardinals sit atop the Central Division aty a 5-2 record and have shown no signs of slowing down coming off of their Championship season last year.  The Cubs left Wrigley with a better taste in their mouth after beating the Brewers 8-0 on Thursday afternoon.  However, the Cubs aren’t satisified with their play as they currently sit at the bottom of the Central with a 2-5 record.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cubs sneak up on the Cards this weekend and steal 2 out of 3 games.  The Cubs played better than that 2-5 record indicates on the season opening home stand, and I think a trip on the road might do them some good.  Go Cubs!

Full Breakdown after the jump

April 13, 2012 – April 15, 2012
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

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Record – (5-2, 0-0 home) (1st in the NL Central)
Runs Scored(NL rank) - 37 (1st)
Team ERA (NL rank) – 2.93 (5th)
Last 10 – (5-2)
Last Series – Won 2 of 3 to Cincinnati

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Record – (2-5, 0-0 away) (6th in the NL Central)
Runs Scored(NL rank) - 27 (8th)
Team ERA (NL rank) – 3.71 (10th)
Last 10 – (2-5)
Last Series – Lost 3 of 4 to Milwaukee

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GAME BY GAME

Friday April 13, 2012 – 2:15 PM CST
TV – WGN/MLBN Radio – WGN 720AM

Saturday April 14, 2012 – 12:05 PM CST
TV – FOX Radio – WGN 720AM

Sunday April 15, 2012 – 1:15 PM CST
TV – CSN Chicago / Radio – WGN 720AM

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PITCHING MATCHUPS

Friday
Jeff Samardzija – (1 – 0, 1.04)  vs.  Adam Wainwright (0 – 1, 4.76)

Saturday
Chris Volstad – (0 – 0, 5.40)  vs.  Lance Lynn (1 – 0, 1.35)

Sunday
Paul Maholm – (0 – 1, 13.50)  vs.  Jake Westbrook (1 – 0, 0.00)

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Thanks for reading, go Cubs!
- George Cotugno