In a game that could be a shootout, Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 5.15 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (22-17) are in San Diego to square off against Odrisamer Despaigne (2-2, 6.75 ERA) and the Padres (20-21). This is the last of a three-game series at Petco Park. The Cubs won the last game 3-2 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 9:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 21 and can be seen on FSN-SD, CSN-CHI+ and MLB Net.
Despaigne pitched 3.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering seven runs, striking out one and walking two in a 10-0 defeat to the Nationals. Justin Upton (.284, 30 Rs, 11 HRs, 29 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. When pitching against the Padres, Hendricks is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts. Kris Bryant (.291, 20 Rs, 4 HRs, 25 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one RBI, and one stolen base.
San Diego is a slim -112 favorite at home against Chicago. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of seven runs. Though the Padres have had a tough season in terms of their overall money line (-80), they have done fairly well as a favorite with a record of 12-6. San Diego is unbeaten as the favorite and has a 5-5 SU record in its last ten outings. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Padres, who rank third in the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.6.
In games where it is the underdog, Chicago has a 8-8 record and an overall money line of +171. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-2 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, they average five runs per game on the road, which is second in the NL. The Cubs are an excellent base stealing team with 39 stolen bases, ranking second in the MLB. When it comes to issuing walks on the road, the Cubs have the fourth-fewest in the NL with an average of just 2.8 walks allowed per game. The Cubs have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.1 strikeouts per road game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Padres lead the season series, 3-2. The Padres have a 14-16 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Hendricks takes the mound. Despaigne (RHP) will be on the hill against the Cubs, who have a 17-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD, O/U – Over
Notes
Chicago has won 50% (9-9) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, San Diego has won 58% (11-8) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Padres managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are coming in with an 8-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 3-17. The Cubs have a 6-14 record when opponents outhit them.
Both San Diego and Chicago are tied at 13th in home runs, hitting 37 this season.
San Diego and Chicago both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. San Diego sits at eighth with 8.63 hits per game and Chicago ranks 10th with 8.47.
Ranking 21st, San Diego is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.696). Chicago ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .715.
The Cubs are 13-11 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Padres are 12-16 when they allow at least one homer.
