Kyle Hendricks (3-4, 4.15 ERA) and Mat Latos (3-5, 5.27 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (43-36) and the Miami Marlins (35-47) at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 7-2 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jul. 5 and can be seen on CSN-CHI and FSN-FL.
Hendricks pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking one in a 1-0 win over the Mets. Kris Bryant (.278, 44 Rs, 12 HRs, 49 RBIs, 7 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, two home runs, and six RBIs. When pitching against the Cubs, Latos is 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 74 strikeouts. Dee Gordon (.343, 43 Rs, 1 HR, 21 RBIs, 29 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with two runs and one stolen base.
Chicago is a -140 favorite against Miami and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is currently not available. The Cubs have an overall money line of +212 and a record as the favorite of 25-20. The Cubs have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 1.7 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 3.9 runs per game. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks at home, earning an average of 3.4 per game. As for the pitchers, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Cubs, who have a team ERA of only 3.38. The Cubs are the top 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.
Over in the other dugout, Miami is coming in with an overall money line of -1,006 and a disappointing record of 18-28 as the underdog. Offensively, the Marlins have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 3.7 runs per game by averaging 2.7 during that stretch.
The Marlins lead the season series, 3-2. The Cubs have a 35-32 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Latos takes the mound. Hendricks (RHP) will be on the hill against the Marlins, who have a 26-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Miami has won 36% (15-27) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Chicago has won 53% (17-15) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Marlins have a 13-33 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Marlins are 7-30. The Cubs have an 8-27 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 19th in home runs, Miami has hit 69 this season. Chicago ranks 13th with 75 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Chicago is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.29 per game. Miami ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 8.58.
Ranking 23rd, Miami is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.686). Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 19th with an OPS of .698.
When the Marlins allow at least one home run, they are 17-30. When the Cubs allow one or more homers, they have a 22-24 record.
