The Chicago Cubs will wrap up their three-game series in Miami against the Marlins on Wednesday night. Chicago lost its third consecutive game on Monday, falling in a 10-3 final in the series opener. This story was published prior to Tuesday night’s game, which was the second game of the series.
Chicago put together one of its best series of the season last week, sweeping three games in New York against the NL East-leading Mets. The Cubs extended their winning streak to four games with a 2-1 win over Colorado on Friday, but they proceeded to lose the final two games of the series. Their losing skid continued on Monday, as they lost to Miami in a 10-3 final. They are on a seven-game road trip that concludes with four games against the Pirates this coming weekend. Chicago will return home for a six-game homestand next week, which will be its final home games of the year. The Cubs have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
What a catch by @mhermosillo10! pic.twitter.com/LxOXPdByAO
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 20, 2022
They have been a decent offensive team this season, ranked No. 17 in batting average (.241). Left fielder Ian Happ leads the way with 142 hits, while shortstop Nico Hoerner has 129 hits. They are facing a Miami pitching staff that is No. 17 with an ERA of 3.96. Left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly was originally going to start for Chicago on Wednesday, but he is experiencing shoulder fatigue and was scratched on Tuesday. Marcus Stroman is moving up a day in the rotation and starting in this game. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks across seven innings against Colorado last Friday. Stroman threw six scoreless innings before allowing a solo homer. He has a 2.95 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in his 64 innings since the All-Star break.