In the second of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (63-48) and the Milwaukee Brewers (48-66) at Wrigley Field, Jason Hammel (6-5, 3.17 ERA) and Matt Garza (6-12, 4.95 ERA) get the ball. The Cubs won the last game 6-3, extending a five-game winning streak. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 12 and will air on WGN and FSWI.
In his last start, Hammel pitched 4.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-4 loss to the Giants. Anthony Rizzo (.297, 62 Rs, 21 HRs, 65 RBIs, 15 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs. The Brewers were victorious over the Padres 10-1 the last time Garza pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out five and walking two. Adam Lind (.287, 49 Rs, 17 HRs, 66 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
Chicago is a -176 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Cubs have a winning record of 43-28 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +499. They are 9-1 SU and perfect as the favorite (8-0) in their last 10 games. The Cubs are a dangerous hitting team with 291 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. The Cubs are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with 78 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Chicago’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 2.8 during that span, compared to its 3.8 season average. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking second in the league with a 1.18 WHIP.
Moving on to the away team, the Brewers come into this game with a win percentage of .406 when playing as the underdog (28-41) and an overall money line of -1,645. Over the past 10 matchups, they are 4-6 SU and have played poorly as the underdog with a 1-4 record. They have the fifth-lowest road ERA in the NL at 3.76.
The Cubs have mostly come out on top against the Brewers in their previous 11 games this season, earning a 7-4 record. This game will feature Garza (RHP) on the mound against the Cubs, who have a 48-39 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Brewers will be the right-hander Hammel. They sport a 35-53 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
For the 21st time this season, the Brewers registered at least two errors in a game.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Brewers have a 12-29 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 9-51. The Cubs have a 14-35 record when opponents outhit them.
Tied at 16th for total home runs, Chicago and Milwaukee have each hit 100 homers this season.
Chicago and Milwaukee both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Chicago sits at 14th with 8.11 hits per game and Milwaukee ranks 12th with 8.42.
Chicago and Milwaukee both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Chicago sits at 23rd with an OPS of .695 and Milwaukee ranks 22nd with an OPS of .697.
When the Brewers allow at least one home run, they are 27-45. When the Cubs allow one or more homers, they have a 30-31 record.
