Phil Hughes (4-6, 4.79 ERA) and Kyle Hendricks (2-2, 3.80 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Minnesota Twins (36-30) and the Chicago Cubs (35-29) at Target Field. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 19 and can be seen on WGN and FSN-N.
Hughes pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out three and walking one in a 4-3 defeat to the Rangers. Torii Hunter (.260, 30 Rs, 8 HRs, 36 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 yesterday. Hendricks went 5.0 innings, surrendering one run and striking out seven in a 4-3 defeat to the Reds in his last outing. Kris Bryant (.294, 38 Rs, 8 HRs, 39 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Chicago takes on Minnesota as a -116 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Twins have an overall money line of +1,303 and a record as the underdog of 30-24. Against the NL, they have had a solid season, earning 5-2 and 5-4 records as the underdog and SU respectively. The Twins have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 2.5 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.1 runs per game. Minnesota’s pitchers put it all together when National League teams are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game drops to 3.3 against NL teams, compared to its 4.1 season average.
In games where it is the favorite, Chicago has a 22-16 record and an overall money line of +346. Chicago is 2-2 as the favorite and 3-3 SU against interleague opponents. Offensively, they average five runs per game on the road, which is the best in the NL. The Cubs are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the NL with 9.0 hits per road game. When it comes to issuing walks, the Cubs have the fourth-fewest in the NL with an average of just 2.6 walks allowed per game. The Cubs have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.8 strikeouts per game.
The Twins have a 20-21 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Hendricks takes the mound. Hughes (RHP) will be on the hill against the Cubs, who have a 30-24 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC, O/U – Over
Notes
Minnesota has won 42% (10-14) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Chicago has won 52% (15-14) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Cubs have a 2-7 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 7-27. The Cubs have a 7-24 record when opponents outhit them.
Minnesota ranks near the bottom of the league at 25th when it comes to home runs, hitting 50 this season. Chicago ranks in the top half at 12th with 64.
Minnesota and Chicago both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Minnesota sits at 10th with 8.25 hits per game and Chicago ranks ninth with 8.48.
Ranking 24th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.682). Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 16th with an OPS of .716.
The Cubs are 20-21 when they allow at least one home run. The Twins perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 20-23 record.
