Scouting report Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park

Posted August 31, 2018 1:00 am

TV:

NBC Sports Chicago Plus Friday; NBC Sports Chicago Saturday; WGN Sunday

Radio:

WSCR 670-AM

Pitching matchups:

The Cubs' Jose Quintana (11-9) vs. Nick Pivetta (7-10) Friday at 6:05 p.m.; Kyle Hendricks (10-10) vs. Zach Eflin (9-5) Saturday at 6:05 p.m.; Jon Lester (14-5) vs. Aaron Nola (15-3) Sunday at 12:35 p.m.

At a glance:

The Phillies are desperately trying to catch the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. That appears to be their best path to the playoffs because the wild-card picture is crowded, and the Phillies are chasing several teams. The Phillies are 71-62, but their run differential is only plus-3. Former Cub Jake Arrieta will have missed both series against the Cubs this season. The Cubs took two of three from the Phillies in early June at Wrigley Field. Rhys Hoskins paces the Phillies' offense with a line of .254/.363/.500 with 27 homers and 83 RBI. Maikel Franco has 22 homers. The marquee matchup is Sunday. Lester has an ERA of 3.67, while Nola is at 2.10. The Cubs entered Thursday's game at Atlanta with a run differential of plus-111. Anthony Rizzo has been hot. His August line entering Thursday was .365/.446/.656 with 7 doubles, 7 homers, 17 RBI and 13 walks.

Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park, Monday-Wednesday

- Bruce Miles

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