Series Preview - Phillies at Cubs: May 20th to May 23rd

1971 Topps #23

1971 Topps #12

Monday 8:05, Tuesday 7:05, Wednesday 8:05 and Thursday 2:20
Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL

Phillies 27-19, 1st place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Braves
Cubs 27-17, 1st place in the N.L. Central, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Brewers

Phillies Probables:  Jake Arrieta (4-4, 4.02), Zach Eflin (5-4, 2.89), Cole Irvin (2-0, 2.77), Aaron Nola (4-0, 4.47)
Cubs Probables:  Yu Darvish (2-3, 5.14), Jose Quintana (4-3, 3.68), Cole Hamels (4-0, 3.13), Jon Lester (3-2, 2.09)

At the Ballpark:  On Thursday afternoon, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Cubs reusable tote bag.  I guess the Cubs marketing department felt no additional incentives were needed to come see two first place clubs do battle in an important (for May) four-game series.

I'm particularly interested in watching Wednesday night's pitching match-up!

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .322
Runs:  Andrew McCutchen - 31
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 11
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 36
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 3

Wins:  Zach Eflin - 5
ERA:  Zach Eflin - 2.89

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 60
Saves:  Hector Neris - 7

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Willson Contreras - .321
Runs:  Kris Bryant - 36
Home Runs:  Four tied with - 11
RBIs:  Kris Bryant - 32
Stolen Bases:  Jason Heyward - 4

Wins:  Three tied with - 3
ERA:  Cole Hamels - 3.13

Strikeouts:  Yu Darvish - 55
Saves:  Steve Cishek and Pedro Strop - 4