In a matchup against Taylor Jungmann (0-3, 8.47 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (8-12) in the second of a two-game series at Wrigley Field, Jake Arrieta (4-0, 0.87 ERA) gets the start for the Chicago Cubs (15-5) in his first start since tossing a no-hitter. The Cubs won the last game 4-3, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 2:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 28 and will air on CSCh and FSWI.
In his most recent outing, Arrieta pitched 9.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out six and walking four in a 16-0 victory over the Reds. Anthony Rizzo (.205, 14 Rs, 8 HRs, 22 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 Tuesday with one RBI. The Brewers were unsuccessful the last time Jungmann pitched. He went 4.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out two and walking six in an 8-1 loss to the Twins. Ryan Braun (.373, 12 Rs, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 1 Tuesday with two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Cubs have a SU record of 2-5 against teams in their division. The Cubs have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an NL-high 5.2 walks per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Chicago pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs lead the league in WHIP at 0.957.
Against teams in their division, the Brewers are 9-2 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The Brewers are known for their bats, hitting a league-leading zero extra base hits. The Brewers average 3.9 walks per road game, making them one of the most disciplined teams in the NL when they travel. Milwaukee’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. The Milwaukee pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 6.7 strikeouts per game.
So far this season, the Cubs are 1-0 against the Brewers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
In their last game, the Brewers lost by a margin of one run. The Cubs are 2-1 in one-run games. The Brewers have a 3-2 record in close games.
The Cubs are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Brewers have a record of 6-9 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 1-12. The Cubs have a 2-5 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 16th in home runs, Milwaukee has hit 20 this season. Chicago ranks eighth with 26 home runs.
Ranking 30th, Milwaukee is at the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.25 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 12th with 8.60.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Milwaukee has an OPS of .000 this season. Chicago ranks eighth with an OPS of .794.
When the Brewers allow at least one home run, they are 7-10. When the Cubs allow one or more homers, they have a 5-3 record.
