The Chicago Cubs (6-13) and Cincinnati Reds (12-9) are two teams headed in opposite directions in 2013. The Cubs are in full rebuilding mode while the Reds have the look and vibe of a World Series contender.
Today, however, the two teams may appear equal because of the electric arms on the mound for both sides. The visiting Cubs will send Jeff Samardzija to the hill; Samardzija sports an unimpressive 1-3 win-loss record, but boasts a 3.38 ERA and 0.97 WHIP, fine numbers for any pitcher. Samardzija has fanned 31 batters in 26.2 innings, and has harnessed his tremendous stuff well, walking just seven hitters in that span.
The Reds will counter with their ace, Mat Latos. Latos has not factored into a decision yet this year, but his 0-0 record masks a sparkling 1.23 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Latos is a bit of a strikeout wizard as well, sitting down 29 men on strikes in 26.1 innings of work.
Latos was frustrated after his last start, when he twirled a seven-inning, one-run, 10-strikeout gem in a 2-1 Cincinnati loss to the Miami Marlins. "It's just frustrating that we got a loss," Latos said. "I did the best I could. ... I gave us a chance to win. It's one of those things." Latos has typically struggled in April; for his career Latos is 2-8 with a 4.92 ERA in April. In the following months his ERA never breaks 3.80.
For the Reds lineup, the key to hitting Samardzija will be getting to him quickly, according to Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun, who faced him Friday night. "You have to get him early. You saw it tonight -- once he settles in, he's as tough as anybody in baseball."
The game will be played in Cincinnati at 12:35 p.m. and can be live streamed for free here or for a subscription fee with better quality video here.
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