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In the first game, former Rockie Jason Hammel will take the mound for the Cubs against John Lackey who will be on short rest. Lackey is coming off a performance where he didn't allow a run in the first game of this series at Busch Stadium, and the Cardinals will need him to be good again today if they want to play another game in that ballpark this season.
Last night these teams combined for EIGHT home runs in Chicago's 8-6 victory. As of right now, the wind blowing out of the west again meaning the ball should carry out towards right field. Keeping the ball on the ground will be helpful for pitchers in this game.
Then later tonight, the Mets will try to hand the Dodgers yet another early post season exit. Los Angeles is going with Clayton Kershaw on short rest, who also has his personal playoff reputation on the line. Oh, and Don Mattingly might be on the hot seat too if the Dodgers lose this game. So there's just a little bit at stake for LA tonight.
Also of note, Chase Utley is not in the starting lineup for the Dodgers as they will again go with Howie Kendrick at second base. That doesn't mean we won't see him later in the game though as MLB is apparently too busy to hear the appeal of his two game suspension until next Monday.
Both games can be seen on TBS, and as always, you're welcome to discuss them here at Purple Row.