Braves and Cubs Set for Pitching Duel in Series Opener

Braves and Cubs Set for Pitching Duel in Series Opener

The Atlanta Braves and visiting Chicago Cubs will kick off their three-game series on Monday with a highly anticipated pitching matchup. The Braves will send right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (2-1, 1.53 ERA) to the mound against Chicago's left-hander Shota Imanaga (5-0, 1.08). Both pitchers are among the league leaders in ERA, setting the stage for a thrilling duel.

The Braves are coming off a disappointing 4-3 walk-off loss to the New York Mets on Sunday, snapping their four-game winning streak. The Cubs, on the other hand, secured a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in 10 innings on Sunday, claiming two out of three in that series.

This marks the first meeting between the Braves and Cubs this season. Their next encounter will be in Chicago from May 21-23. In 2023, the Braves won the season series 4-2, while Chicago hasn't claimed the series victory since 2017 when they went 6-1.

Imanaga, named National League Rookie of the Month for April, boasts the fourth-lowest ERA for a pitcher through their first seven career starts since 1912. He is also the first Cubs starter since 1901 to begin his career with seven consecutive starts allowing two or fewer earned runs.

In his last outing against San Diego, Imanaga pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and striking out eight. Despite his impressive performance, he did not receive a decision in the Cubs' 3-2 win.

Lopez, making his seventh start, has only allowed three runs in one of his outings. In his last appearance against Boston, he gave up two runs (one earned) on six hits and five strikeouts. Despite facing some trouble in the fifth inning, he managed to escape with a pair of strikeouts.

The Atlanta offense continues to be led by designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who drove in two runs on Sunday and leads the majors with 40 RBIs. He also leads the National League with 12 homers.

Chicago's Cody Bellinger has reached base in 12 of his last 13 games, while Christopher Morel hit his ninth homer on Sunday, his sixth in the last 13 games.

Atlanta's third baseman Austin Riley left Sunday's game as a precaution due to tightness in his left side and will be re-evaluated on Monday. The Cubs are playing without former Braves player Dansby Swanson, who is on the injured list with a right knee sprain.