Jake Arrieta (14-6, 2.39 ERA) gets the start for the Chicago Cubs (67-51) as they meet Mike Foltynewicz (4-4, 5.61 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (53-67) in the first of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 20 and will air on CSCh and SPSO.
In his most recent outing, Arrieta pitched 6.2 innings, giving up two runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking two in a 6-3 victory over the White Sox. Kris Bryant (.259, 63 Rs, 17 HRs, 68 RBIs, 12 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 4 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs. The Braves were unsuccessful to the Diamondbacks 8-4 the last time Foltynewicz pitched. He went 4.2 innings, allowing six runs, striking out five and walking one. Freddie Freeman (.285, 46 Rs, 14 HRs, 45 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Chicago is a heavy -264 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Cubs perform well as a favorite with a 47-29 record and have an overall money line of +744. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (7-1). Over their past 10 games, Chicago’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 5.6 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.0. The Cubs typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an impressive 3.5 walks per game. As for the pitching staff, the Cubs rank fourth in the NL in ERA with a 3.38 team average. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking fourth in the league with a 1.20 WHIP.
On the other side, the Braves have a record of 40-57 when they are the underdog and are -394 overall with the money line. The Braves are known for their bats, hitting 285 extra base hits.
In their previous three games this season, the Cubs have a 2-1 record. This game will feature Foltynewicz (RHP) on the mound against the Cubs, who have a 52-40 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Braves will be the right-hander Arrieta. They sport a 45-54 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
Atlanta has won 39% (23-36) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Chicago has won 55% (26-21) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Cubs have a 15-22 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 36-16. The Cubs have a 43-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Atlanta sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 441 this season. Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 479.
Ranking 16th, Atlanta is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 335 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at second with 410.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 43-22. When the Braves hit at least one homer, they have a 31-25 record.
