Cubs, Phillies Postpone Thursday Night's Game, Schedule Doubleheader For Friday
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Not much is going to get the playoff-contending Chicago Cubs down right now -- not even sitting around waiting for a game that wound up getting postponed.
The opener of a four-game series at the Phillies was called off Thursday night after more than 90 minutes of persistent rain and was rescheduled as part of a doubleheader Friday starting at 5:05 p.m.
"Conflicting reports," manager Joe Maddon said when asked why the game was not called off earlier. "We've gone through this in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Same thing. Nobody's upset."
At 80-58, Chicago entered Thursday nine games ahead of San Francisco for the second NL wild-card spot. The Cubs are on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008 as they vie for their first World Series title since 1908.
Jake Arrieta, whose start was pushed back to Friday, is 18-6 with a 2.03) ERA. He has won seven straight starts, giving up two earned runs with 50 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings, and pitched a no-hitter at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 30. Over 15 appearances dating to June 21, Arrieta is 12-1 with a 0.99 ERA.
Kyle Hendricks (6-6, 4.08) is to start the nightcap on Friday night. He will be making his first start against Philadelphia, which is the only NL team he hasn't faced.
The duo will try to help the Cubs bounce back from Wednesday's 4-3 loss at St. Louis that stopped a five-game winning streak. Chicago is 29-12 since getting swept by the Phillies at home July 24-26.
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