Jason Hammel (4-0, 1.24 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (22-6) square off against Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 1.15 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (19-10) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the third of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 8-6, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 7 and can be seen on FS1, CSCh and MASN.
Hammel pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out three and walking one in a 7-2 win over the Pirates. Anthony Rizzo (.257, 24 Rs, 10 HRs, 28 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Gonzalez went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out one and walking two in a 2-0 win over the Royals in his last outing. Daniel Murphy (.406, 19 Rs, 4 HRs, 17 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Nationals, going 4 for 4 yesterday with two runs.
The odds for Chicago and Washington are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Cubs have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 5.2 per game. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Chicago. The Cubs are the top team when it comes to pitching, allowing a league-low 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 0.993 so far this season.
Offensively, the Nationals 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 Nationals 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. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Nationals are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.085 for the season.
The Cubs have the edge in the season series, 2-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Nationals have a 10-3 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
It looks like the Cubs have a slight leg up on the Nationals, as the Cubs have won their last five games while the Nationals have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Nationals are 15-2. The Cubs have an 18-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Chicago has earned 172 this season. Washington ranks 10th with 128 runs.
Ranking first in walks, Chicago has earned 146 this season. Washington ranks 15th with 92 walks.
The Cubs are 17-2 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Nationals are 14-6 when they hit at least one homer.
