Jason Hammel (6-1, 2.17 ERA) gets the ball for the Chicago Cubs (34-14) as they meet Alex Wood (1-3, 4.03 ERA) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (27-24) in the first of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs enter this series looking to continue a five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 5:05 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 30 and will air on WGN and SNLA.
In his most recent outing, Hammel pitched 7.1 innings, allowing one run, striking out four and walking three in a 12-3 victory over the Cardinals. Dexter Fowler (.316, 34 Rs, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. The Dodgers were unsuccessful against the Padres 3-2 the last time Wood pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out 13 and walking one. Joc Pederson (.246, 23 Rs, 8 HRs, 24 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Cubs have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire NL, averaging 5.3 runs per game. They have been very patient at the plate during home games, leading the NL with an average of 4.8 walks per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Cubs, who allow an NL-low 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, leading the league with a 1.066 WHIP.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Dodgers average 3.9 walks per road game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL when they travel. Los Angeles’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. They have a WHIP of 1.094, second best in the MLB.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Cubs managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Dodgers who are coming in with a 10-12 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Dodgers are 3-20. The Cubs have a 3-10 record when opponents outhit them.
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league at 21st when it comes to home runs, hitting 50 this season. Chicago ranks in the top half with 58.
Ranking 18th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.33 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 11th with 8.85.
Ranking 23rd, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.700). Chicago ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .793.
The Dodgers are 9-18 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Cubs are 14-10 when they allow at least one homer.
