Winning sure is a lot of fun, huh?
I think I was more heartened by yesterday’s Reds win than I have been in a long damn time. It was exciting but, maybe most of all, it felt... competent in a way that I don’t remember. I’m not articulating this very well, but regardless, it’s five in a row and eight of 10. They can make it six tonight with a win while also clinching a series win from the Northsiders.
They’ll have Anthony DeSclafani on the mound in the effort. Since allowing 4 in his debut 5 IP against Colorado, Disco hasn’t allowed any more than 2 earned in the two starts since against St. Louis and Pittsburgh. The Cubs offense will be his biggest test to date but, of all the starters in the rotation, Disco is the one that I trust to be most... competent.
On the other side of the field, the Cubs are sending out Luke Farrell against his former club. You’ll remember the time last year when the Reds sent out son Luke to pitch against the Reds Sox, which at the time was managed by his father, John. It was the first time a pitcher pitched against his dad’s team since 2004.
Now, of course father John is in the Reds front office as a scout and Luke is playing for the other side. Regardless, I’m sure it’ll be another big day in the Farrell family.
Farrell got one MLB start last year when he was a member of the Kansas City Royals. It went poorly, giving up 5 ER in 2.2 IP. He wouldn’t play another game with the Royals.
It’s likely that Farrell won’t have a long leash today, as this appears to be something of a bullpen day for the Cubs. They had a double header earlier in the week that shuffled things up, plus they are missing a whole bevvy of pitchers to injury. Will be interesting to see how it’s managed.
Cincinnati lineup
Here's how the #Reds will line up against the Cubs this afternoon. ➡️ https://t.co/VnGghPevIS pic.twitter.com/FCOkkRbm6i
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 23, 2018
ChiCubs lineup
Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 23, 2018
Game preview: https://t.co/XpsLZhLdIa #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/YdPHE2OBcF