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Amidst the news that GM Jim Hendry was fired, the Cubs prepared to host their arch rival the St. Louis Cardinals for a three game set at Wrigley Field. The Cardinals have been struggling over the last month and a half to gain ground on the surging Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central division race. While the Cubs dreams of a post season berth were dashed long ago, this series may allow them to play spoiler and ensure the Cardinals don't make it back into the race for the division.
Randy Wells, 4-4 with a 5.90 ERA and 1.59 WHIP, will take the start for the Cubs. Wells is coming off of a start against Atlanta, in which he grabbed the win after throwing 5.0 innings, giving up two runs on eight hits, while striking out one. In his last start against the Cardinals, Wells earned a no decision after throwing 5.2 innings, giving up four runs on three hits and a walk, while striking out one. This year, Albert Pujols is 2-for-3 against Wells with a double and a home run.
Wells will face off against Jaime Garcia, 10-6 with a 3.42 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. Garcia's last start against Colorado, saw him take the loss after giving up five runs on six hits and four walks over 5.0 innings pitched. In his last game against the Cubs, Garcia earned the win after pitching 8.0 innings of one run baseball, giving up just four hits while striking out eight. This year, Jeff Baker is 3-for-3 against Garica.
The weather in Chicago is forecast to be sunny and pleasant, with a game time temperature in the low 80's. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 P.M., CDT, and the game will be televised on CSN and FS-M.