Live Game Thread: 9/22 Braves Cubs (Game 3)
Live Thread! Atlanta Braves Vs. Chicago Cubs – Rubber Match
Well, if you think the Braves ought to already have clinched the NL East, you’d be right. Alas, the corks on the champagne bottles haven’t been popped open yet, but the Braves will have another chance this afternoon. We might have seen the clinch off the field last night, except that the Nationals / Marlins game was postponed due to inclement weather.
The Marlins and Nationals will play the makeup game in a doubleheader this afternoon and evening, and technically, because the Nationals play at 1:35 PM EST, and the Braves don’t get started until 2:20 PM EST, a Nats loss could occur before the conclusion of the Braves and Cubs game and secure the clinch even if we lose. Funny thing, baseball!
I will say that the Atlanta Braves have what I consider to not only be the best lineup they can field today, but the lineup I personally hope we’ll see through the end of the season, and into the playoffs. It’s proven to be the most effective lineup, and on the field behind a sharp Julio Teheran gives the Braves a great chance to clinch, even if the Nats also win. Only time will tell.
Take a look at today’s lineup for the two teams, and join us below in our comments section for our Live Thread! Come and talk Braves’ baseball with us.
Lineups
Atlanta Braves
1. Jason Heyward (L) CF
2. Justin Upton (R) RF
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
5. Brian McCann (L) C
6. Evan Gattis (R) LF
7. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
8. Elliot Johnson (S) 2B
9. Julio Teheran (R) P
Chicago Cubs
1. Starlin Castro (R) SS
2. Luis Valbuena (L) 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Dioner Navarro (S) C
5. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF
6. Brian Bogusevic (L) CF
7. Junior Lake (R) LF
8. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
9. Edwin Jackson (R) P