Game Threads

Spring Training Game Thread #29: Brewers (18-8-2) @ Cubs (16-11)

One for the Cup!

By eddiemathews@benfreagan_iii Mar 23, 2018, 2:50pm CDT

Milwaukee Brewers v St Louis Cardinals — Maverick is red hot! Or at least lukewarm.

The Milwaukee Brewers of Maryvale (18-8-2) look to bring the Cactus Cup to their loyal Maryvale fans (and Real BCB members) today when they visit the Chicago Cubs of Mesa (16-11). A win clinches the Cup and sets up a crucial winner-takes-all two game set with the Houston Astros Monday and Tuesday in Houston for the Grapefruit/Cactus Trophy. Of course, if the teams split, they will have to settle things in the 2018 World Series.

The Brewers will send Brandon Woodruff out for their first crack at the Cup (they will get three, if necessary, but that would be nerve wracking), and he’ll face the Cubs first starting pitching acquisition of the off season, Tyler Chatwood. Chatwood has shown well this spring, making five starts totaling sixteen innings with a 3-0 record. He has a 2.81 ERA, WHIP of 1.19, and has struck out 18.

Woodruff is looking for a good start to push his hat into the ring for one of two starting rotation spots still open. The Cactus league season hasn’t been kind to the big Woody, as he has four appearances and one start, amassing just 7 ²⁄₃ innings. His 1.70 WHIP and 7.04 ERA are problematic. But all will be forgiven with a solid start today!

Milwaukee Brewers (rhp Brandon Woodruff)

1. Jonathan Villar (S) 2B

2. Christian Yelich (L) LF

3. Travis Shaw (L) 3B

4. Domingo Santana (R) RF

5. Eric Thames (L) 1B

6. Manny Pina (R) C

7. Eric Sogard (L) SS

8. Keon Broxton (R) CF

9. Brandon Woodruff (L) P

Chicago Cubs (rhp Tyler Chatwood)

1. Ian Happ (S) CF