CHICAGO – The Cubs seemed to feast on left-handed starting pitchers last season.
It's a completely different story this year. The Cubs are batting .224 versus lefty starters, the third worst mark in the National League. In 2011 the Cubs ranked fourth best with a .287 average. They are 3-14 against lefty starters this season.
The Cubs have to face another left hander in tonight's series finale against the Red Sox after Boston placed Josh Beckett on the 15-day disabled list Saturday. Franklin Morales (0-1, 3.04 ERA) makes his first start of the season. Paul Maholm (4-5, 4.91) starts for the Cubs.
Since Father's Day was officially declared the third Sunday in June starting in 1966 the Cubs are 25-25.
Starlin Castro is one of only two National League players (Atlanta's Dan Uggla) to start all of their respective team's games thus far.
Red Sox starting lineup
1. Scott Posednik, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Kevin Youklis, 3B
4. David Ortiz, 1B
5. Mike Aviles, SS
6. Darnell McDonald, RF
7. Kelly Shoppach, C
8. Ryan Kalish, CF
9. Franklin Morales, 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. Paul Maholm, P
-- Meghan Montemurro
