Michael Wacha (15-4, 2.69 ERA) and Dan Haren (8-9, 3.89 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the St. Louis Cardinals (87-49) and the Chicago Cubs (78-57) at Busch Stadium. Action begins at 2:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 7 and can be seen on WGN and FSMW.
Wacha pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs (four unearned), striking out six and walking two in a 5-4 defeat to the Giants. Matt Carpenter (.260, 81 Rs, 21 HRs, 71 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Haren went 5.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking one in a 5-4 defeat to the Reds in his most recent start. Kris Bryant (.267, 77 Rs, 23 HRs, 86 RBIs, 12 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for St. Louis and Chicago are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, St. Louis has a record of 33-19 SU. The Cardinals have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.1 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.1 runs per game. As for the pitchers, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Cardinals, who have a team ERA of only 2.69. The Cardinals are the fourth-best team in the NL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.3 hits per game so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Cardinals, who rank fourth in the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.2.
The Cubs are 30-24 against NL Central rivals. Chicago is excellent at drawing walks with an NL-best 3.5 per game. Chicago’s pitching staff is one of the top in the NL at pitching on the road, with a 3.61 ERA. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Cubs are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.20 for the season.
The Cardinals have controlled the season series, 9-4. The Cardinals have a great 40-12 record at home (68-32 overall) against right-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Haren takes the mound. Wacha (RHP) will be on the hill against the Cubs, who have a 62-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
Chicago has won 58% (31-22) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, St. Louis has won 62% (31-19) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Cubs managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cardinals who are heading in with a 21-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Cardinals are 53-15. The Cubs have a 50-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, St. Louis has earned 551 this season. Chicago ranks 17th with 564 runs.
Ranking eighth, St. Louis is in the top 10 of the league in walks, notching 418 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at second with 467.
When the Cardinals hit at least one home run, they are 57-21, well-matched with the Cubs who are 54-25 when hitting one or more homers.
