John Lackey (5-2, 3.16 ERA) and Archie Bradley (2-0, 6.11 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (37-15) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (24-32) at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 3 and can be seen on CSCh and FSAZ.
Lackey pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out six and walking four in a 7-2 win over the Phillies. Dexter Fowler (.312, 35 Rs, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Bradley went 7.1 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 6-3 win over the Padres in his most recent start.
The odds for Chicago and Arizona are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Cubs have no trouble scoring as they rank second in the NL in offense with 0.0 runs per game. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 4.6 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 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.035 so far this season.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Diamondbacks have a dynamic offense, ranking fourth in the league with 187 extra base hits. The Diamondbacks allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Cubs lead the season series, 3-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Arizona has won 42% (11-15) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 83% (19-4) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Diamondbacks are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 14 strikeouts. The Cubs have a record of 0-2 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Diamondbacks are 17-7. The Cubs have a 29-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking seventh in runs, Arizona has earned 254 this season. Chicago ranks third with 284 runs.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 239 this season. Arizona ranks in the top half with 167.
The Cubs are 29-5 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Diamondbacks are 19-19 when they hit at least one homer.
