Jason Hammel (6-5, 3.38 ERA) and Matt Wisler (5-3, 4.65 ERA) take the hill in the last of a four-game series between the Chicago Cubs (70-51) and the Atlanta Braves (53-70) at Wrigley Field. The Braves lost the last game 9-7, continuing a six-game losing streak. Chicago can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 23 and can be seen on WGN and FSSO.
Hammel pitched 3.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out six and walking one in a 10-8 defeat to the Tigers. Anthony Rizzo (.291, 69 Rs, 25 HRs, 76 RBIs, 15 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Wisler went 5.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out two and walking two in a 9-0 defeat to the Padres in his last outing. Freddie Freeman (.285, 47 Rs, 14 HRs, 47 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Chicago, a big -236 favorite, takes on Atlanta. The Cubs have recorded an overall money line of +766 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 49-30. Chicago is an impressive 6-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Cubs have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.9 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.1 runs per game. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 3.5 per game. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Cubs, who have a team ERA of only 3.51. The Cubs are the fourth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.20 so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Atlanta has a 40-59 record and an overall money line of -594. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 2-8 record, and a 2-8 record SU. Offensively, the Braves have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 3.6 runs per game by averaging 2.4 during that stretch. The Braves have a dynamic offense, ranking second in the league with 293 extra base hits.
The Cubs have controlled the season series, 5-1. The Cubs have a 54-40 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Wisler takes the mound. Hammel (RHP) will be on the hill against the Braves, who have a 45-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Chicago is 27-21, while Atlanta is 23-37.
The Braves are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Cubs have a 16-22 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 10-48. The Cubs have a 15-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 76 this season. Chicago ranks 11th with 123 home runs.
Ranking 14th, Chicago is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.15 per game. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.52.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.676). Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 16th with an OPS of .712.
The Braves are 20-50 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Cubs are 33-34 when they allow at least one homer.
