Jon Lester (14-4, 2.70 ERA) starts for the Chicago Cubs (86-47) as they square off against Albert Suarez (3-2, 4.35 ERA) and the San Francisco Giants (72-61) in the second of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 5-4, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 2 and can be seen on WGN and CSBA.
Lester pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking two in a 1-0 defeat to the Dodgers. Kris Bryant (.307, 112 Rs, 36 HRs, 91 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run and one RBI. Suarez went 4.1 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking two in a 3-1 defeat to the Braves in his last outing. Hunter Pence (.284, 38 Rs, 9 HRs, 44 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds for Chicago and San Francisco are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. 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 1.118 so far this season.
When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Giants are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.231 for the season.
The Cubs have a great 32-12 record at home (57-33 overall) against right-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Suarez takes the mound. Lester (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
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 46-22, while San Francisco is 27-22.
The Giants managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are heading in with a 47-9 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Giants are 52-15. The Cubs have a 72-14 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 15th in runs, San Francisco has earned 597 this season. Chicago ranks third with 677 runs.
Ranking first in walks, Chicago has earned 542 this season. San Francisco ranks fourth with 478 walks.
The Cubs are 64-24 when they hit at least one home run. The Giants perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 47-29 record.
