Scouting the Cubs-Dodgers series
TV: ABC 7 Friday; WGN Saturday; Comcast SportsNet Sunday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Cubs' Mike Montgomery (1-1) vs. Bud Norris (3-3) Friday at 9:10 p.m.; Jason Hammel (13-6) vs. TBD Saturday at 3:05 p.m.; Jon Lester (14-4) vs. TBD Sunday at 3:10 p.m.
At a glance: The Cubs took three of four from the Dodgers in late May, early June. The Dodgers have charged to the top of the NL West as they battle the Giants for the division title. L.A. is doing it without ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who is on the 60-day DL with mild-disc herniation. He could return in September. Corey Seager had a hitting line of .322/.376/.540 with 22 homers and 61 RBI entering Thursday's game. Justin Turner was at .279/.344/.520 with 24 homers and 74 RBI. Former Cubs lefty Rich Hill came to the Dodgers in a trade with Oakland and won his first start with his new team, pitching 6 scoreless innings. The Cubs have a run differential of plus-217, by far the best in baseball. They ranked second in the NL in runs and first in on-base percentage, ERA and quality starts entering Thursday. Over the past seven games, the Cubs' Addison Russell had 5 homers and 10 RBI while Kris Bryant had 5 homers and 13 RBI.
Next: Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field, Monday-Wednesday