The Braves and Cubs began 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 game notes 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 was a key storyline before the opener. The game looked like another big test for Atlanta.