In the first of a two-game series between the Cleveland Indians (30-33) and the Chicago Cubs (30-33) at Progressive Field, Danny Salazar (6-2, 3.54 ERA) and Jason Hammel (5-2, 2.81 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jun. 17 and will air on CSN-CHI and STO.
In his most recent outing, Salazar pitched 7.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out six and walking one in a 4-0 loss to the Tigers. Jason Kipnis (.333, 44 Rs, 5 HRs, 28 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with three runs and two stolen bases. In his pitching opportunities against the Indians, Hammel is 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA, 28 strikeouts and 12 walks. Kris Bryant (.294, 37 Rs, 7 HRs, 35 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Indians have an SU record of 4-2 against the National League. Cleveland has been struggling as of late. In the last 10 games, Cleveland has only averaged 3.0 runs per game compared to the 4.2 they’ve averaged on the season. Whenever an National League opponent shows up on the calendar, the Indians pitch better. They allow an average of 4.3 runs per game, but allow just 2.7 against teams from the NL. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the AL with 9.4 strikeouts per game.
When playing AL opponents, the Cubs have a 2-2 record SU. They sport the second-ranked offense in the NL, averaging four runs per game. The Chicago pitching staff has been an intimidating group on the road this year, averaging an NL-best 8.6 strikeouts per game.
So far this season, the Indians are 1-0 against the Cubs. This game will feature Hammel (LHP) on the mound against the Indians, who have an 11-14 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Cubs will be the right-hander Salazar. They sport a 29-23 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Chicago is 15-13, while Cleveland is 10-11.
The Indians are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Cubs have a record of 18-20 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 5-26. The Cubs have a 7-23 record when opponents outhit them.
Cleveland ranks in the bottom half of the league at 19th when it comes to home runs, hitting 55 this season. Chicago ranks in the top half at 13th with 59.
Ranking 11th, Chicago is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.39 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.58.
Ranking 17th, Chicago is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.707). Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .728.
When the Cubs allow at least one home run, they are 20-21, well-matched with the Indians who are 20-25 when allowing at least one homer.
