Game #76: Preview

The dog days are setting in and at this point the Zs have given little reason to believe they're anything but a .500 team who can't string wins together. Because of Florida's dire bullpen situation, New Orleans's arms have been gutted by the big club, and the parade of constant new players to the team has been dizzying. Welcome to the minor leagues.

Tonight the Zephyrs attempt to avoid losing their their straight to the AAA Cubs. We don't have the sexiest pitching matchup happening, FYI.

June 28, 7:00 CT
New Orleans Zephyrs: 36-39, third in the PCL South
Iowa Cubs (AAA Chicago Cubs): 42-35, T-1st in the PCL North

The Pitching Matchup:

Zs: Brian Lawrence (6-5, 4.35 ERA)








The staff veteran is on the hill tonight for the Zs. You could easily win the argument that Lawrence has been New Orleans's best starter: he's fifth in the PCL with 70 Ks, and although he allows hits and baserunners, he's a classic bend-but-don't-break guy. Sort of... he's also third in the league in HRs surrendered with 13.

Express: J.R. Mathes (6-5, 4.61 ERA)








The I-Cubs are loaded with future major league arms in their starting rotation... and the 28-year-old Mathes probably isn't one of them. But any lefty who averages two ground ball outs per fly out has at least the glimmer of a big-league future. Mathes doesn't walk or strike out a lot of guys -- and like any sinkerballer, he'll give up hits -- but he generally goes six innings and keeps you in the game.