Corey Kluber (8-13, 3.52 ERA), seeking his 200th strikeout of the season, takes the mound for the Cleveland Indians (58-65) as they go up against Jon Lester (8-9, 3.58 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (70-51) in the first of a one-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 4-3 and Chicago can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. The game starts at 2:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 24 and will air on WPWR and STOh.
In his most recent outing, Lester pitched 2.2 innings, giving up seven runs, striking out four and walking three in a 15-8 loss to the Tigers. Kris Bryant (.262, 69 Rs, 19 HRs, 74 RBIs, 12 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 4 with four runs, two home runs, and three RBIs. The Indians were also unsuccessful the last time Kluber pitched. He did not do well, pitching 6.0 innings, allowing six runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 6-4 loss to the Red Sox. Michael Brantley (.316, 52 Rs, 9 HRs, 68 RBIs, 13 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Chicago, a -132 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Cleveland. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is presently unavailable. The Cubs perform well as a favorite with a 50-30 record and have an overall money line of +866. Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (6-2). Chicago has averaged 6.2 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.1. Chicago’s pitching staff will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent struggles. The Cubs have given up an average of 5.1 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 3.9 runs per game. The Cubs are fourth in the league in WHIP at 1.20. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the NL with 8.7 strikeouts per game.
Moving on to the away team, the Indians come into this game with a win percentage of .419 when playing as the underdog (18-25) and an overall money line of -2,038. When playing Interleague opponents, they have a 6-3 as the favorite and 10-7 SU. The Indians are a problem for opposing batters, sporting an AL-low 3.42 ERA on the road this season. They also average just 8.1 hits allowed per game, fourth-best in the AL. The Cleveland pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging an AL-best 8.8 strikeouts per game.
The Indians are 2-1 against the Cubs this season. The Cubs will take on a right-hander (Kluber) in this game and have a 55-40 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Indians will be the left-hander Lester. Southpaw starters have been a big issue for them as they sport a 14-26 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against the Atlanta, the Cubs now have 14 shutouts this season. The Indians have been shut out in nine games this season.
When leading after 7 innings, Chicago is 27-21, while Cleveland is 18-21.
The Indians managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are heading in with a 10-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 49-9. The Cubs have a 44-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st, Cleveland sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 492 this season. Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 500.
Ranking first in walks, Cleveland has earned 423 this season. Chicago ranks third with 419 walks.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 46-22, well-matched with the Indians who are 43-26 when hitting one or more homers.
