Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds name their starters for Sunday’s finale – MLB News
The finale of the four-game series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds is scheduled for Sunday, August 12. The Reds lead 2-1 and will try to snatch series victory here as the balance tilts in their favour.
However, much as the Reds hold a powerful sway, the competition witnessed at Wrigley Field so far shows that the Cubs have the ability to stage a comeback at any point. That is what the Reds are also keeping in the mind.
One of the several advantages that go to the Reds’ favour is the effective defence; chiefly the rotation where Johnny Cueto shall start the finale. Dusty Baker does not conceal his confidence and belief in Cueto’s ability to bring victory for the Reds.
"When he goes out there, everybody knows you've got a great chance to win," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said. "He goes deep into ballgames. He's stopped a number of bad streaks. He's very good after losses, and he's also created some winning streaks for us, too."
Having had 17 starts this season so far, Cueto has won 11 of the games five of which were straight wins. On Sunday, this ace being on mound will be an exhilarating sight as the Cubs have to brace themselves for the bigger challenge.
On the other hand, the Cubs will rely on the young starter Brooks Raley who was only recently promoted after it became clear that Matt Garza will not be able to have any start any time soon due to injury.
Brooks lost his debut game to San Diego Padres by 7-4. But here the team manager Dale Sveum had all the confidence in him.
"Any guy, for the first time, I don't care what you say, the first inning, the first batter -- hopefully it's the last time your legs ever feel like that, but that's what happens," Cubs' manager Dale Sveum said after Raley lost his first game. "He's a pretty poised kid who can make things happen. You hope he keeps the ball down.”
The two starters competition, therefore, will be an exciting encounter as the two teams play the finale on Sunday.
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