Jason Hammel (1-0, 4.50 ERA) and James Shields (1-0, 2.08 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (5-3) and the San Diego Padres (6-4) at Wrigley Field. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 17 and can be seen on FSN-SD and ABC7.
Hammel is 4-3 with a 5.01 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 59 strikeouts against the Padres. Jorge Soler (.310 ) went 1 for 3 Wednesday with one RBI. Against the Cubs, Shields is 0-0 with a 4.26 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and nine strikeouts. Justin Upton (.351, 9 Rs, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate to the start the season for the Padres, going 3 for 4 Wednesday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Chicago and San Diego are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Cubs are the fourth-best team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.2 walks per game so far this season.
The Padres have a dynamic offense, ranking fourth in the league with 33 extra base hits. The Padres have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.4 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Cubs have a 5-2 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Shields takes the mound. Hammel (RHP) will be on the hill against the Padres, who have a 5-3 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – SD
Notes
Chicago won its last game in a shutout, its second of the season. San Diego has been shut out one time this season.
The Cubs are 2-0 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Padres are 0-1 in such matchups.
The San Diego batters brought in a solid nine hits last game. Chicago has a record of 3-2 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Padres are 4-1. The Cubs have a 1-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th in runs, Chicago has earned 32 this season. San Diego ranks ninth with 43 runs.
Ranking 17th, San Diego is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 25 this season. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 30.
The Cubs are 4-1 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Padres are 3-2 when they hit at least one homer.
