In the last of a three-game series between the Milwaukee Brewers (17-22) and the Chicago Cubs (27-10) at Miller Park, Junior Guerra (2-0, 4.00 ERA) and Jason Hammel (5-0, 1.77 ERA) get the start. The Cubs won the last game 2-1, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 19 and will air on CSCh and FSWI.
In his last start, Guerra pitched 6.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out four and walking two in a 1-0 victory over the Padres. Ryan Braun (.364, 21 Rs, 7 HRs, 28 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI. The Cubs were also victorious the last time Hammel pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.2 innings, giving up two, striking out eight and walking two in a 9-4 victory over the Pirates.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Brewers have a SU record of 15-4 against teams in their division. Milwaukee has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking third in the NL with an average of 4.1 walks per game. Over their past 10 games, Milwaukee’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. An area where the Brewers are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average an NL-best 6.7 K’s per game.
Against divisional opponents, the Cubs are 5-8 SU. The Cubs rank second in the NL in scoring, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Chicago has an eye for the strike zone, averaging an NL-best 5.0 walks per game. Chicago’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, averaging an NL-best 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 1.046 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
In their last game, the Cubs won by a margin of one run. The Brewers are 7-4 in one-run games. The Cubs have a 4-4 record in close games.
Milwaukee has won 36% (5-9) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 89% (16-2) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Brewers have a 1-1 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 2-18. The Cubs have a 2-8 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling in the top half of the league based on total home runs this season, Milwaukee ranks 15th with 43 homers and Chicago is 14th with 44.
Ranking 21st, Milwaukee is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 8.10 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 12th with 8.73.
Ranking 13th, Milwaukee is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.740). Chicago ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .795.
When the Cubs allow at least one home run, they are 12-7. When the Brewers allow one or more homers, they have a 13-19 record.
