John Lackey (3-1, 4.32 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (21-6) meet Max Scherzer (3-1, 3.55 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (19-9) in the second of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 5-2, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 6 and will air on CSCh, MASN and MLBN.
In his last start, Lackey pitched 8.0 innings, giving up three runs (one unearned), striking out two and walking three in a 4-3 loss to the Braves. The Nationals were victorious the last time Scherzer pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out nine in a 6-1 victory over the Cardinals. Bryce Harper (.274, 19 Rs, 10 HRs, 26 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 1 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently 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 5.2 walks per game. Transitioning to the Chicago defense and pitching staff, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Cubs, who allow an NL-low 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, leading the league with a 0.985 WHIP.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Washington pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They have a WHIP of 1.065, second best in the MLB.
The only other game between the two teams went Chicago’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Cubs managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are coming in with a 6-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Cubs are 2-5. The Nationals have a 3-7 record when opponents outhit them.
Chicago ranks in the top half of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 31 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 35.
Ranking 18th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.14 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 with 8.70.
Ranking 17th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.720). Chicago ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .793.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 9-6. When the Cubs allow one or more homers, they have a 9-3 record.
