Phillies at Cubs
Some late-inning drama has set up a rubber match between the Chicago Cubs and the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The Cubs evened the three-game set at a win apiece on Jason Heyward’s walk-off grand slam Wednesday.
The Phillies appeared to be on their way to a 2-0 series lead when rookie Dylan Cozens blasted a two-run homer off Cubs closer Brandon Morrow in the ninth inning Wednesday. But Heyward’s game-winning blast gave Chicago its fifth win in six games, pulling the Cubs within one game of National League Central leader Milwaukee. In the finale the Cubs hand the ball to walk-happy right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who has issued 49 free passes in 53 2/3 innings this season. Right-hander Nick Pivetta gets the start for the Phillies, who have dropped four of their last five.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (4-4, 3.48 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-4, 4.02)
After allowing one run over 19 innings across three straight wins, Pivetta has come back to Earth in his last two outings. The 25-year-old Canadian lost his second consecutive start Friday at San Francisco, allowing three runs over four innings in a 4-0 defeat. Pivetta faced the Cubs last season and gave up three runs (two earned) over five innings in a win.
Chatwood is winless in his last four starts, but he showed signs of getting back on track last time out. After failing to get through three innings in his previous two outings, the 28-year-old allowed two runs over 5 1/3 frames in a no-decision Friday at the New York Mets. Chatwood is 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA in six starts against the Phillies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 24-for-68 with 17 RBIs in his last 17 games with a plate appearance.
2. Phillies OF Nick Williams left Wednesday’s game with left wrist soreness.
3. Chicago 3B Kris Bryant is 9-for-23 during a five-game hitting streak.