Cubs, Astros to Meet for Series Bragging Rights; Wells Will Try to Start, Well, 'Well'

It will be the last game of the last meeting at Wrigley Field between the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros today. Though both teams are out of postseason contention, they are both playing as well as they have all year; expect them to continue to do the same.

Bailey Stephens has posted an article at the Cubs' website titled "Cubs, Astros are not laying down." Stephens reports on just that issue; these two teams are not ready to quit.

At the beginning of the season, the Astros looked to be headed for a 100-plus loss season. The Cubs just looked uneven. The Astros brought up some minor leaguers and have been shooting at reaching .500 baseball. Ever since Mike Quade took over the Cubs, they have gone 9-5 and, more importantly, have been playing with excitement and "hope." They have been fun to watch, and it seems they have been having fun playing.

Starting for the Cubs today will be Randy Wells. Wells is now 6-12 with a 4.56 ERA. Against Houston, he is 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA. Wells has had a major problem giving up runs in the first inning, "giving up 21 this year in that frame alone," as Bailey reports. Starting for the Houston Astros will be Brett Myers. He is carrying a record of 10-7 with an ERA of 3.02. He has been tough on the Cubs over the years, with a 9-3 record and a 2.38 ERA.

I have to say that the odds favor the Astros. This would be the only series the Cubs would have lost at home under Mike Quade if they do lose. They have already guaranteed themselves a winning home stand record.

Wells will be looking for a better start.

Kosuke Fukudome has hit .424 over the last 10 games and has played a major role in the Cubs' improved hitting statistics. Starlin Castro is hitting .317, which is third in the National League. However, he has been benched for training purposes. While no mention has been made as to whether he will be in today's game, I suspect he will be.

I'm still looking for a correct call of a game result. This time, I have to go against the Cubs and I'll add a score; the Astros will win 8-5.

References:

Chicago Cubs' Website, Bailey Stephens, "Cubs, Astros are not laying down"