In a matchup against Taylor Jungmann (0-3, 8.47 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (8-12) in the second of a three-game series at Wrigley Field, Jake Arrieta (4-0, 0.87 ERA) takes the mound for the Chicago Cubs (15-5) in his first start since delivering a no-hitter. The Cubs won the last game 4-3, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Apr. 27 and will air on WGN and FSWI.
In his last start, Arrieta pitched 9.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out six and walking four in a 16-0 victory over the Reds. Anthony Rizzo (.205, 14 Rs, 8 HRs, 22 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Brewers were unsuccessful the last time Jungmann pitched. He went 4.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out two and walking six in an 8-1 loss to the Twins. Ryan Braun (.373, 12 Rs, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 1 yesterday with two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Cubs have a SU record of 2-5 against teams in their division. The Cubs come into the game with the second-ranked scoring offense in the NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the NL with an average of 5.2 walks per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Chicago pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, leading the league with a 0.957 WHIP.
Against divisional rivals, the Brewers are 9-2 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Milwaukee is one of the top hitting teams in the league with zero extra base hits. The Brewers average just 9.3 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the NL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Milwaukee pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the NL with an average of 6.7 strikeouts per game.
So far this season, the Cubs are 1-0 against the Brewers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
In their last game, the Brewers lost by a margin of one run. The Cubs are 2-1 in one-run games. The Brewers have a 3-2 record in close games.
The Cubs are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Brewers have a record of 6-9 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 1-12. The Cubs have a 2-5 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 15th in home runs, Milwaukee has hit 20 this season. Chicago ranks eighth with 26 home runs.
Ranking 29th, Milwaukee is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.25 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 12th with 8.60.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Milwaukee has an OPS of .000 this season. Chicago ranks ninth with an OPS of .794.
The Brewers are 7-10 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Cubs are 5-3 when they allow at least one homer.
