Jon Lester (2-1, 1.98 ERA) and Aaron Blair (0-1, 5.06 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (16-5) and the Atlanta Braves (5-17) at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 29 and can be seen on CSCh and FSSO.
Lester pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out four and walking one in an 8-1 win over the Reds. Anthony Rizzo (.213, 15 Rs, 8 HRs, 23 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run and one RBI. Blair went 5.1 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out one and walking two in a 3-2 defeat to the Mets in his last outing. Nick Markakis (.305, 9 Rs, 19 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Braves, going 4 for 5 yesterday with three RBIs.
The odds for Chicago and Atlanta are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Cubs have no trouble scoring as they rank second in the NL in offense with 0.0 runs per game. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 5.4 per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score runs against the Cubs. The 0.0 runs that Chicago’s pitchers allow per game makes them the second-ranked staff in the NL. The Cubs are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 0.980 so far this season.
Offensively, the Braves have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Braves have a dynamic offense, leading the league with zero extra base hits. The Braves allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Atlanta has won 33% (3-6) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won all of its games (11-0) when taking a late lead.
The Braves are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Cubs have a record of 8-1 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Braves are 3-4. The Cubs have a 14-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, Atlanta has earned 74 this season. Chicago ranks second with 130 runs.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 114 this season. Atlanta ranks in the top half at 12th with 71.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 13-2. When the Braves hit at least one homer, they have a 0-3 record.
