On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Cardinals series preview

Last weekend’s series against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field wasn’t much fun for the Cubs. They got swept, part of St. Louis’ 17-game winning streak which launched them into the second wild-card sport (where, hopefully, they will be quickly dispatched by the Giants or Dodgers, whoever winds up hosting that game).

I want to let you know about something that will very likely affect this series — the weather forecast for the St. Louis area. Based on these forecasts, there would appear to be a pretty good chance that both Saturday’s and Sunday’s games might be delayed or even rained out:

Saturday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

As always, we await developments.

Fun fact

Despite the sweep last weekend, the Cubs have a relatively good record against the Cardinals this year: 7-9. They’ve also been outscored by only four runs in those 16 games, 76-72.

Probable pitching matchups

Friday: TBD vs. Dakota Hudson, RHP (1-0, 4.91 ERA, 1.091 WHIP, 2.89 FIP)

Saturday: Adrian Sampson, RHP (1-2, 2.87 ERA, 1.053 WHIP, 5.78 FIP) vs. Jon Lester, LHP (4-1, 4.13 ERA, 1.377 WHIP, 5.29 FIP in 11 starts with Cardinals; 7-6, 4.62 ERA, 1.496 WHIP, 5.36 FIP in 27 starts overall)

Sunday: Alec Mills, RHP (6-7, 5.09 ERA, 1.435 WHIP, 4.38 FIP) vs. Jake Woodford, RHP (3-3, 3.88 ERA, 1.340 WHIP, 4.68 FIP)

What would a series preview here be without a TBD pitcher? Of the last nine series previews here, this is the fifth with at least one “TBD.”

Adbert Alzolay could be the starter Friday in what is likely going to be mostly a bullpen game.

Times & TV channels

Friday: 7:15 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network

Saturday: 6:15 p.m. CT, Fox-TV (regional — coverage map)

Sunday: 2:15 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network

Prediction

It would be nice if the Cubs could win one of these three. The Cardinals will likely be resting regulars for the Wild Card game, so perhaps they can take advantage of that.

Up next

The Cubs will next take the field Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Sloan Park against the Dodgers, and the 2022 regular season will begin Thursday, March 31 in Cincinnati against the Reds.