Matt Garza will look to help the Cubs start a new winning streak as he takes the hill against the Phillies on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won game one of the series behind an unexpected performance by Rodrigo Lopez and an offensive awakening that saw them hang six runs on the NL leading Phils.
Garza, 4-7 with a 3.93 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, had an excellent start against Florida in his last trip to the mound, throwing seven shutout innings, giving up six hits and three walks while striking out six. Unfortunately, a bullpen meltdown cost him the win in that game. In his last game against Philadelphia, Garza threw six innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out four. Chase Utley is 1-for-3 with a double against Garza this season, while Shane Victorino, who will be activated from the DL prior to Tuesday night's game, is also 1-for-3.
The Cubs will get to face off against the Phillies' other ace on Tuesday, as Garza is matched up against Cliff Lee, 9-6 with a 2.82 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Lee earned a no decision in his last start against Atlanta, despite pitching eight innings of one run ball, giving up just three hits and two walks while striking out nine. In his last game against the Cubs, Lee also gave up just one run over eight innings, on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Darwin Barney is 2-for-4 against Lee this season.
The weather in Chicago is expected to be warm and humid, with a game time temperature in the 80's and a chance of thunderstorms. First pitch is at 7:05 P.M., CDT, and the game will be televised on CSN, PHL 17, and MLBN.