Shelby Miller (0-0, 9.00 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (2-4) meet Jake Arrieta (1-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (4-1) in the last of a four-game series at Chase Field. The Cubs won the last game 4-2, and Chicago leads the series 2-1. The game starts at 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Apr. 10 and will air on WGN and FSAZ.
In his last start, Miller pitched 6.0 innings, giving up six runs, striking out two and walking one in an 11-6 victory over the Rockies. The Cubs were also victorious the last time Arrieta pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out six and walking one in a 9-0 victory over the Angels. Dexter Fowler (.526 ) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking second in all of baseball with five steals. Turning to the pitching staff, an area where the Diamondbacks are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 6.2 K’s per game.
The Cubs rank second in the NL in scoring, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Chicago has an eye for the strike zone, ranking second in the NL with 5.2 walks per game. The Cubs are one of the top pitching staffs in the NL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 0.761 on the year, the best in the league.
In their previous three games this season, the Cubs have a 2-1 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Diamondbacks managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are coming in with a 3-0 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When outhit, both the Diamondbacks and the Cubs have records of 0-3.
Ranking 18th in home runs, Chicago has hit five this season. Arizona ranks 10th with six home runs.
Ranking 11th, Arizona is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 9.17 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 9.80.
Arizona and Chicago both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Arizona sits at 25th with an OPS of .748, and Chicago ranks 21st with an OPS of .828.
The Cubs are 1-0 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Diamondbacks are 1-3 when they allow at least one homer.
