The Braves and Cubs opened their series at Wrigley Field on Monday, September 14. Reynaldo Lopez was the starting pitcher for Atlanta in the opener. First pitch was set for 6:40 p.m. Central Time. The game extended a September gauntlet for the Braves.
MLB and team sites provided previews for the matchup. Betting outlets offered odds and predictions for the game. Fox Sports carried live scoring for the contest. Cubs coverage noted the team got a favorable look in the pitching matchup during a difficult series. The pitching matchup took center stage before the opener. The game looked like another big test for Atlanta.