For the first time in more than a century the Chicago Cubs are the defending World Series Champions. Now they will look to accomplish what only two teams have done since 1979 and repeat with another World Series title. The Cubs long road back to baseball’s ultimate stage begins with a visit to the St. Louis Cardinals on Opening Day. Chicago would love to begin a new season on a high note. However, the rival Cardinals would like nothing more than to open the year with the upset win in front of their home fans.
Game Details
Date: Sunday, April 2nd
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Odds: Cubs -120
Total: 7
Why The Cubs Might Win…
Jon Lester will get the start for the Cubs in their opener. Lester went 19-5 with a 2.44 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 2016. If he can repeat those numbers this year then Chicago will be in excellent shape at the top of its rotation. Lester was lights out against the Cardinals last year when he went 2-0 with a 0.87 ERA. Meanwhile, the Cubs boast one of the most talented lineups perhaps ever. Reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant, Anthon Rizzo, Ben Zobrist and Addison Russell are back to lead the way. Chicago added Jon Jay and welcomed back Kyle Schwarber after he missed most of last year due to injury. The Cubs offense can score runs in bunches. If they produce early then this game could get ugly in a hurry.
Why The Cardinals Might Win…
Martinez posted 16 wins a year ago for St. Louis. The Cardinals are hoping he can deliver another solid season in 2017. Martinez will definitely need to be better against Chicago if he wants to begin the year on a high note. Martinez went 1-4 with a 4.80 ERA against the Cubs last season so there is reason for caution. However, he could find a way to win this game with an average performance if the St. Louis offense can help him out. Jedd Gyorko led the National League in home runs after the All-Star break last season and is a potential breakout candidate. Meanwhile, Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenter have been models of consistency. The Cardinals still need more out of their young hitters and they have some tremendous potential with Stephen Piscotty and Aledmys Diaz. St. Louis will also have the benefit of home field advantage on Opening Day.
Outlook
St. Louis will need to find a way to solve Lester early or risk running in to big trouble. The veteran ace has the potential to shut this Cardinals lineup down the way he did last season and that would make for a long night for the home crowd. Meanwhile, Martinez could struggle to slow down the juggernaut that is the Cubs offense. Chicago has the potential to score runs and bunches and if they get ahead early they could lock this game down by the middle innings. St. Louis will be motivated to deliver the upset at home. However, this Cubs team led by Lester will be too tough to stop in their season opener.
Pick: Cubs
Betting The Total
In this matchup, we’re going to see Lester going up against Martinez. We have a really low total on the board of just seven runs. However, Lester has a very strong track record against the Cubs over the last three seasons. In that span, he’s 3-3 but has posted a 1.90 ERA against them. They have had a really tough time hitting him as he has held them to a .194 batting average. In 52 innings of work, they have just 36 hits and 13 walks for a WHIP of 0.94.
As for Martinez, the Cubs have done decently against him. He’s a stud but against the Cubs, he has an ERA of 4.99 over the last three seasons. He is 3-3 in that span but has given up five home runs. They’re batting .263 against him. The bigger concern is the amount of baserunners he has allowed. He’s given up 60 hits and 28 walks against them in that span, which puts his WHIP at 1.53.
You never know how these early season games will go but we’re seeing a short number of seven. I’m leaning to the over in this case – based on Martinez’ history versus the Cubs.
Pick: Over
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