Jason Hammel (6-5, 3.10 ERA) and Anibal Sanchez (10-10, 4.95 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a two-game series between the Chicago Cubs (67-49) and the Detroit Tigers (56-61) at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and can be seen on WLS and FSDT.
Hammel pitched 5.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out five and walking one in a 3-2 defeat to the Brewers. Sanchez went 5.1 innings, surrendering five runs, striking out four and walking one in a 6-1 defeat to the Royals in his last outing. Miguel Cabrera (.352, 45 Rs, 16 HRs, 57 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Tigers, going 2 for 3 Sunday with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs.
The odds for Chicago and Detroit are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. In interleague play, the Cubs have an 8-8 record SU. The Cubs have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.3 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.0 runs per game. The Cubs are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 311. Chicago is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 78 bases. Turning to the pitchers, the Cubs are the second-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.18 so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Cubs, who lead the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.7.
Detroit is 7-10 SU against teams in the NL. Offensively, the Tigers have really sputtered in interleague games. They have decreased their season average of 4.4 runs per game by averaging 3.6 in those contests.
The Cubs have a 52-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Sanchez takes the mound. Hammel (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 41-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
Detroit has won 48% (25-27) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Chicago has won 58% (26-19) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are heading in with a 36-12 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 46-13. The Cubs have a 43-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th, Chicago is in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 463 this season. Detroit ranks in the top half at 11th with 510.
Ranking 15th, Detroit is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 330 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at second with 401.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 43-20. When the Tigers hit at least one homer, they have a 41-29 record.
