This game could be low scoring as Jason Hammel (13-7, 3.21 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (84-47) go up against Ryan Vogelsong (3-3, 3.02 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (67-63) in the last of a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 3-0, and Chicago leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 31 and will air on CSCh, RTPT and ESPN.
In his last start, Hammel pitched 2.1 innings, giving up three runs and striking out one in a 3-2 loss to the Dodgers. Kris Bryant (.305, 109 Rs, 35 HRs, 89 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Pirates were victorious over the Brewers 5-3 the last time Vogelsong pitched. He went 5.1 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking four. Gregory Polanco (.273, 70 Rs, 21 HRs, 79 RBIs, 12 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one stolen base.
Chicago is a heavy -182 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Cubs perform well as a favorite with a 78-38 record and have an overall money line of +260. They have impressive records of 33-14 as the favorite and 35-16 SU within their division. Chicago has averaged 6.0 runs per game during divisional play, higher than its season average of 5.1. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the NL with an average of 4.1 walks per game. The Chicago pitching staff has been dominant, only giving up 3.4 runs per game, which is best in the NL. The Cubs lead the league in WHIP at 1.116. An area where the Cubs are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 8.9 K’s per game.
Moving on to the away team, the Pirates come into this game with a win percentage of .526 when playing as the underdog (30-27) and an overall money line of +126. Against divisional opponents, they are 25-25 SU and 8-12 as the underdog.
The Cubs had the upper hand against the Pirates in their previous 14 games this season, earning an 11-3 record. The Cubs will take on a right-hander (Vogelsong) in this game and have a 55-33 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Hammel will take the mound against the Pirates. Against lefty starters this season, they’ve racked up an impressive 18-8 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Chicago earned its 12th shutout of the season in its last game. Pittsburgh has been shut out five times this season.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Pirates have a 7-16 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
It looks like the Cubs have a slight leg up on the Pirates, as the Cubs have won their last two games while the Pirates have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Pirates are 43-10. The Cubs have a 71-14 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th, Pittsburgh sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 588 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at third with 666.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 531 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 427.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 63-24, well-matched with the Pirates who are 48-28 when hitting one or more homers.
