July 06--Facing the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, John Lackey, Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez ring a seven-day span last month remains in the back of the minds of the Cubs.
But their current eight-game stretch to end the first half won't be any easier, either. After collecting one hit in seven innings off Mat Latos to seize a 2-0 win over the Marlins on Sunday, the task becomes equally challenging for the Cubs.
They open a four-game series Monday night against National League Central leader St. Louis and Lackey, who beat them on May 7 and limited them to two runs in seven innings on June 26. The series concludes Wednesday night against Wacha, who beat them 8-1 on June 27.
The Cubs are tentatively scheduled to face formidable left-hander Chris Sale in the second game of their Crosstown Series on Saturday at Wrigley Field.
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo actually welcomes the challenge of facing these tough pitchers, including Sale, who will try to set a major league record Monday night with double-digit strikeouts in nine consecutive starts.
"It's not going to be easy, especially (against) Sale," Rizzo said last Thursday before the Cubs returned home after sweeping the New York Mets. "It actually will be fun to face him, especially with what he's doing."
