Jason Hammel (11-5, 3.07 ERA) and Ricky Nolasco (4-8, 5.23 ERA) start in the second of a two-game series between the Chicago Cubs (70-41) and the Los Angeles Angels (49-63) at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 5-1, continuing an eight-game winning streak. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and can be seen on CSN+ and FSW.
Hammel pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out three and walking two in a 3-2 win over the Marlins. Anthony Rizzo (.289, 69 Rs, 24 HRs, 80 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two runs. Nolasco went 6.0 innings, surrendering five runs and striking out four in an 8-6 defeat to the Athletics in his most recent start.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Chicago, a big -220 favorite, takes on Los Angeles. Though the Cubs have had a tough season in terms of their overall money line (-131), they have done fairly well as a favorite with a record of 65-33. Chicago is an impressive 8-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Cubs have no trouble scoring as they rank second in the NL in offense with 5.0 runs per game. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 4.2 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 3.4 runs per game. The Cubs are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.110 so far this season.
In the other locker room, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -1,436 and a disappointing record of 25-41 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-4 record and a 3-7 record SU. The Angels average 4.7 runs allowed per game, but does worse whenever an NL opponent is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average up to 5.7 against teams from the NL.
The Cubs have the edge in the season series, 3-0. The Cubs have a 44-30 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Nolasco takes the mound. Hammel (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 34-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Angels have a 4-23 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
This game has the potential to be a major blowout, as the Cubs are coming in on a eight-game winning streak whereas the Angels have lost their past five.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 40-10. The Cubs have a 58-12 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 13th in runs, Los Angeles has earned 516 this season. Chicago ranks third with 561 runs.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 462 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 330.
The Cubs are 51-20 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Angels are 35-34 when they hit at least one homer.
