The Braves and Cubs began a series at Wrigley Field on Monday, September 14. Reynaldo Lopez was the starting pitcher for Atlanta in the opener. First pitch was scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Central Time. The game extended a September gauntlet for the Braves.
MLB and team sites provided game notes for the matchup. Betting outlets offered odds and predictions for the game. Fox Sports carried live scoring for the contest. Cubs coverage said the team got a favorable look in the pitching matchup in a rough patch. The pitching matchup was a key storyline before the opener. The game figured to be another big test for Atlanta.