Braves at Cubs
One big inning sometimes can be enough to help a team break out of an offensive slump. The Chicago Cubs hope that’s true in their case, and they’ll find out in the rubber match of their three-game series against the visiting Atlanta Braves on Sunday.
The Cubs used a nine-run eighth inning to rally for a 14-10 win over the Braves on Saturday, and perhaps stringing together a few clutch hits in the frame will help them overcome their recent offensive woes. Chicago has been shut out three times already this season and has totaled 11 runs in its seven losses. The Braves are trying to avoid losing a second straight series after winning their first three. Rookie second baseman Ozzie Albies remains red-hot for the Braves, as he is 18-for-44 with eight doubles, four homers and nine RBIs in his last 10 games and has recorded four consecutive multi-hit performances.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (0-1, 7.07 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-2, 4.91)
Teheran suffered his first loss of the season last time out despite turning in his best effort of 2018 thus far. The 27-year-old held Washington to two runs and five hits over six innings while recording a season-high seven strikeouts but was on the wrong end of a 2-0 decision. Teheran is 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs.
Chatwood struggled in his home debut with the Cubs on Tuesday, allowing five runs and nine hits over five innings in a loss to Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old registered seven strikeouts and felt good about his stuff, but the Pirates were able to make solid contact. Chatwood is 2-2 with a 5.60 ERA in seven career games (five starts) against Atlanta.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago C-1B Victor Caratini is 7-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak.
2. The Braves lead the National League with 37 doubles, including eight in the first two games of the series.
3. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo (back) is eligible to come off the 10-day disabled list on Monday and is expected to be ready to do so for the opener of a three-game series against St. Louis.