Jon Lester (6-3, 2.29 ERA) starts for the Chicago Cubs (39-16) as they square off against Adam Morgan (1-4, 7.07 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (28-29) in the first of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Jun. 6 and can be seen on CSPh, CSCh and ESP2.
Morgan pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs and striking out six in a 7-2 defeat to the Nationals. Odubel Herrera (.317, 32 Rs, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs, 7 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 4 for 5 with two runs and one stolen base. Lester went 9.0 innings, surrendering one run and striking out 10 in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers in his last outing.
The odds for Philadelphia and Chicago are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Phillies have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Philadelphia’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
Offensively, they average six runs per game on the road, which is the best in the NL. Chicago is excellent at drawing walks with an NL-best 4.5 per game. Moving on to Chicago’s pitching staff and defense, the Cubs allow just 0.0 runs per game, ranking them first in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Cubs are the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.040 for the season.
The Cubs have the edge in the season series, 3-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 19-4, while Philadelphia is 10-13.
The Cubs managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Phillies who are heading in with a 7-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Phillies are 18-3. The Cubs have a 31-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 184 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at third with 297.
Ranking first in walks, Chicago has earned 250 this season. Philadelphia ranks 27th with 137 walks.
When the Phillies hit at least one home run, they are 22-14. When the Cubs hit at least one homer, they have a 30-6 record.
