Chicago Cubs Lineup (5/8/21): Williams on Hill, Pederson Leads Off, Bryant Back in Center
The Chicago Cubs have won four straight games, with their latest win coming in a nail-bitter yesterday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. David Ross decided that Cubs’ closer Craig Kimbrel would have the day off and the bullpen nearly let the game slip away, recording the final out with the bases loaded and up only one run.
Joc Pederson leads off again today playing left, he’s followed by Kris Bryant in center (once again), Javier Báez at short, Anthony Rizzo at first, and Willson Contreras catching. Jason Heyward will be manning right batting sixth, David Bote bats seventh playing third, and Eric Sogard hits eighth playing second base.
Trevor Williams will be on the hill for the Cubs, looking to bounce back from his last outing against the Reds when he lasted 2.2 innings and got charged with six runs. Williams has been either hot or cold in his appearances so far this season, with no real in-between.
In his prior outing this season against the Pirates, Williams got touched up for five runs in only 3.1 innings. That game was in Pittsburgh and it’s possible the former Pirate was feeling some nerves. Hopefully, that won’t be the case today at Wrigley and Williams can equal Zach Davies‘ stellar start from yesterday.
On the hill for the Pirates is righty Wil Crowe, who pitched in relief in the Cubs 5-1 win back on April 3. Crowe lasted just two-thirds of an inning in that game after giving up a run on one hit and two walks. He’ll be starting for just the third time this season.
How To Watch
Game Time: Saturday, May 8, 1:20pm CT
TV/Radio: Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.
Live Stream (in-network): Watch live on fuboTV – sign up now for a free trial.
Here is today's #Cubs starting lineup!#CubTogether pic.twitter.com/6p3NDBCFgf
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 8, 2021