Jake Arrieta (13-5, 2.59 ERA) takes the mound for the Chicago Cubs (72-41) as they meet Adam Wainwright (9-6, 4.34 ERA) and the St. Louis Cardinals (60-55) in the second of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 4-3, extending a 10-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 12 and will air on WLS and FSMW.
In his most recent outing, Arrieta pitched 8.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out four and walking one in a 4-0 victory over the Athletics. Anthony Rizzo (.290, 70 Rs, 24 HRs, 82 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run and one RBI. The Cardinals were unsuccessful the last time Wainwright pitched. He did not do well, pitching 6.0 innings, allowing six runs, striking out three and walking three in a 6-3 loss to the Braves. Brandon Moss (.262, 46 Rs, 19 HRs, 48 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Chicago is a heavy -182 favorite at home and the Over/Under (O/U) for this matchup is unavailable at the moment. The Cubs perform well as a favorite with a 66-33 record, but haven’t fared as well with the overall money line (-31). Over the last 10 games, they have a very good record when playing as the favorite (8-1). Chicago has averaged 6.0 runs per game during divisional play, higher than its season average of 5.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Chicago’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Chicago’s opponents are averaging 2.1 runs per game, below their season average of 3.4. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, leading the league with a 1.109 WHIP.
On the other side, the Cardinals have a record of 17-18 when they are the underdog and are -430 overall with the money line. Against fellow NL Central members, they are 26-20 SU and 6-6 as the underdog. The Cardinals will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, St. Louis’s run production has dropped to 3.5 runs per game, compared to 5.0 for the duration of the season. The Cardinals are known for their power, smashing 155 home runs. The last 10 games have really brought the worst out of the St. Louis pitchers. They allowed 5.5 runs per game during that span, which is higher than their season average of 4.3.
The Cubs will take on a right-hander (Wainwright) in this game and have a 45-30 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Arrieta will take the mound against the Cardinals, who have a 45-35 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
In their last game, the Cardinals lost by a margin of one run. The Cubs are 16-16 in one-run games. The Cardinals have a 17-18 record in close games.
The Cubs managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cardinals who are coming in with a 35-13 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Cubs are 7-26. The Cardinals have a 13-48 record when opponents outhit them.
Chicago ranks in the top half of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 137 this season. St. Louis ranks in the top five at fourth with 155.
Ranking seventh, Chicago is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.61 per game. St. Louis ranks in the top five with 8.78.
Chicago and St. Louis both rank in the top five of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Chicago sits at fourth with an OPS of .772, and St. Louis ranks third with an OPS of .774.
The Cardinals are 31-35 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Cubs are 37-33 when they allow at least one homer.
