Mike Montgomery (4-5, 2.60 ERA) and Jeff Samardzija (11-9, 4.00 ERA) take the hill in the first of a four-game series between the Chicago Cubs (85-47) and the San Francisco Giants (72-60) at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sep. 1 and can be seen on CSN+ and CSBA.
Montgomery pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking four in a 6-4 win over the Dodgers. Kris Bryant (.307, 111 Rs, 36 HRs, 90 RBIs, 8 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Samardzija went 7.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking three in a 7-0 win over the Braves in his last outing. Brandon Crawford (.276, 56 Rs, 12 HRs, 77 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Chicago is a -155 favorite against San Francisco and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is unavailable as of now. The Cubs have recorded an overall money line of +360 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 79-38. Chicago is an impressive 7-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. 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 1.122 so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, San Francisco has a 19-26 record and an overall money line of -387. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Giants are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.228 for the season.
The Giants lead the season series, 2-1. The Cubs have a great 31-12 record at home (56-33 overall) against right-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Samardzija takes the mound. Montgomery (LHP) will be on the hill against the Giants, who have a 24-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
San Francisco has won 56% (27-21) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 67% (45-22) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Giants are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 11 strikeouts. The Cubs have a record of 18-13 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Giants are 52-15. The Cubs have a 71-14 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th in runs, San Francisco has earned 593 this season. Chicago ranks third with 672 runs.
Ranking first in walks, Chicago has earned 537 this season. San Francisco ranks fourth with 475 walks.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 64-24, well-matched with the Giants who are 47-28 when hitting one or more homers.
