The Chicago Cubs have started the second half off with stellar pitching, having only given up a single run to the Arizona Diamondbacks in each of the last two games. In Friday's game, starter Paul Maholm gave up only an earned run in seven innings, while in Saturday's game, Ryan Dempster blanked Arizona over the course of six innings. On Sunday, Matt Garza is tasked with keeping the fantastic starting pitching going.
If Garza can allow a run or less in today's start, it would be something of a rarity for him: he hasn't hit that benchmark since May 11, when he gave up one earned run over five innings vs. the Milwaukee Brewers. Garza— though he almost certainly won't be doing it consciously— will also have a chance to repair his trade value after a first half that saw his ERA rise from last year while his strikeouts dropped.
The Cubs will be facing Diamondbacks starter Trevor Cahill, and Chicago will likely load its lineup with righties, as lefties are only batting .244/.318/.337 off Cahill this season.
Game date/time: Sunday, July 15, 1:20 p.m. CT
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill.
TV: WGN
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