As the Cubs return to Chicago, they hope to change the momentum of the last two games. Down 0-2 in the NLCS, a change in the weather may be the biggest difference.
During the first two games of the series in New York, both teams had to deal with unusually cold weather. With dominant pitching, the Mets were able to take advantage and take the two game lead. As the series switches to Chicago, the weather is expected to warm up. More than that, the wind is blowing out.
Here's your forecast for the #Cubs game. #Chicago pic.twitter.com/2sAh0usMbi
— Tracy Butler (@TracyButlerABC7) October 20, 2015
Out of the SW to the NE @CHaarlow @ESPNChiCubs
— Tracy Butler (@TracyButlerABC7) October 20, 2015
Of the Cubs sluggers, Jorge Soler is almost assuredly the most excited to return to slightly warmer weather. Throughout the season, Soler has played worse in colder weather. After sitting out Sunday’s game, Joe Maddon said Soler would return to the starting lineup Tuesday.
Maddon says on WSCR weekly show that Soler will be in lineup tonight.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) October 20, 2015
Maddon told 670 The Score’s “Spiegel and Goff” show that Soler has a “Fahrenheit problem” and that he still needs to get used to the cold weather.
Soler’s bat is important for a Cubs team that has struggled to score runs during the NLCS. The right fielder was almost impossible to keep off of the bases during the Cardinals series. Through the NLDS Soler reached base in 10 out of his 13 plate appearances, including two home runs.
The wind is expected to be blowing out to center Tuesday evening. With the Mets putting Jacob deGrom on the mound, any help getting the ball out of the park would be a welcomed aid for the Cubs.
