After an abysmal offensive performance on Tuesday night that resulted in a just-short comeback, the Cubs will look to bounce back on Wednesday and try for a split in their four game series against the Braves. Should they fall once again, they'll be forced just to avoid a sweep at the hands of one of the hotter teams in te National League.
Randy Wells, 4-4 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, will start for the Cubs. Wells' last start, against the Cardinals, saw him pitch 7.0 innings and earn a no decision after giving up four runs on four hits and three walks, while striking out five. In his last game against Atlanta, Wells earned the win, throwing 5.0 innings, and giving up two runs on eight hits and no walks, while striking out one. This year, Dan Uggla is 2-for-2 against Wells with a home run.
Pitching for the Braves will be Derek Lowe, 8-11 with a 4.73 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. Lowe's last start was a win, as he threw 5.0 shutout innings against the Diamondbacks, giving up four hits and two walks, while striking out seven. In his last game against the Cubs, Lowe earned the loss, after giving up five runs over 6.0 innings on ten hits, striking out six. This season, Darwin Barney is 3-for-4 against Lowe, while Tyler Colvin is 2-for-3 with a double and a triple.
The weather in Chicago is forecast to be sunny and hot, with a game time temperature in the mid-80s. First pitch is at 7:05 P.M., CDT, and the game will be televised on CSN, PTV, and FSS.