Game Thread: Williams vs. Hamels

After the game one loss to Chicago, Trevor Williams is set to take the ball against Cole Hamels in what has the makings of another potential Pitcher’s duel.

Williams has been locked in as of late, going 4-1 over his last five starts while only allowing two runs over that span.

His opposition, Cole Hamels, has taken to Chicago nicely. After shutting out the Pirates on August 1st, Hamels has delivered quality starts against the Royals (6 IP 1 ER 2 SO) and Nationals (7 IP 1 ER 9 SO) in each of his next two outings.

Pittsburgh has decided to roll with the same lineup as last night, this time with Cervelli getting the start behind the dish. This is concerning given Polanco’s obvious struggles this month. Polanco remains slotted in the third spot of the lineup while batting a cool .137 in the month of August... In Hurdle we trust.

Game time is 7:05pm EDT

Here are the lineups:

CUBS

1. Ian Happ CF
2. Jason Heyward RF
3. Ben Zobrist 2B
4. Anthony Rizzo 1B
5. Javier Baez 3B
6. Kyle Schwarber LF
7. Victor Caratini C
8. Cole Hamels P
9. Addison Russell

PIRATES

1. Corey Dickerson LF
2. Starling Marte CF
3. Gregory Polanco RF
4. David Freese 3B
5. Francisco Cervelli C
6. Josh Bell 1B
7. Josh Harrison 2B
8. Adeiny Hechavarria SS
9. Trevor Williams P