CHICAGO – Jeff Samardzija, so good to start the season, has stumbled lately.
In his last five outings, Samardzija (5-4, 3.96 ERA) has struggled posting a 1-3 record with a 5.59 ERA. He's in a groove at the plate, however, carrying a four-game hitting streak into tonight's contest with an RBI in three of those games.
Left-hander Jon Lester (3-4, 4.57) starts for the Red Sox which isn't good news for the Cubs. They're hitting only .222 versus lefties this season, the third worst average in the National League, and own a 3-13 against left-handed starters.
Since May 15, the Cubs have lost 22 of their last 29 games.
Red Sox starting lineup
1. Scott Podsednik, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, 1B
4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
5. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
6. Adrian Gonzalez, RF
7. Ryan Sweeney, CF
8. Mike Aviles, SS
9. Jon Lester, P
Cubs starting lineup
1. Reed Johnson, RF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Jeff Baker, 1B
6. Joe Mather, CF
7. Welington Castillo, C
8. Luis Valbuena, 3B
9. Jeff Samardzija, P
-- Meghan Montemurro
