Scouting Report on todays starters from MLB.com
Rich Hill – Hill sustained his first loss in his last start against the Brewers. The lefty entered the game with the best ERA in the NL but Prince Fielder hit a two-run homer off him for more runs in one swing than Hill had given up in 25 previous innings. Hill struck out five. “He’s been dominant,” Milwaukee’s Kevin Mench said of Hill.
Zach Duke – Coming off two consecutive subpar outings, Duke surrendered just one run on six hits and one walk to receive a no-decision on Wednesday against the Astros. He threw 106 pitches, 69 for strikes. Duke’s 4-1 with a 1.40 ERA in six starts against the Cubs in his career.
View the Cubs career numbers vs. Zach Duke – ESPN Splits
Geovany Soto (AAA) 5-5, 2(2B), 2RBI, (.326avg)
Donald Veal (AA) 6IP, 3ER, 3H, 2BB, 9K, (8.86ERA)
Tyler Colvin (High-A) 2-4, 2B, R, (.314avg)
Jeff Samardzija (High-A) 5.1IP, 2ER, 10H, 2BB, 3K, (2.45ERA)
Russ Canzler (Low-A) 3-4, HR, 2RBI, R, CS, (.254avg)
