Jon Lester (5-3, 2.48 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (35-15) go up against Mike Bolsinger (1-1, 4.50 ERA) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (28-25) in the third of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Dodgers won the last game 5-0, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jun. 1 and will air on CSCh, SNLA and ESPN.
In his last start, Lester pitched 6.1 innings, giving up two, striking out seven and walking two in a 6-2 victory over the Phillies. Dexter Fowler (.317, 34 Rs, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. The Dodgers were also victorious the last time Bolsinger pitched. He pitched well, going 5.2 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking one in an 8-2 victory over the Reds. Corey Seager (.278, 33 Rs, 9 HRs, 27 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well, going 3 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Over their past 10 games, Chicago’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Cubs typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an NL-high 4.6 walks per home game. The Chicago pitching staff has been dominant, only giving up 0.0 runs per game, which is best in the NL. The Cubs lead the league in WHIP at 1.057.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Dodgers average 3.8 walks per road game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL when they travel. Los Angeles’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. They have a WHIP of 1.082, second best in the MLB.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
For the seventh time this season, the Cubs registered at least two errors in a game.
The Cubs didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Dodgers have a 7-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they are outhit, the Dodgers are 3-21. The Cubs have a 3-11 record when opponents outhit them.
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league at 21st when it comes to home runs, hitting 51 this season. Chicago ranks in the top half with 58.
Ranking 18th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.19 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 14th with 8.68.
Ranking 24th, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.690). Chicago ranks in the top five with an OPS of .780.
The Dodgers are 9-18 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Cubs are 14-11 when they allow at least one homer.
