Jake Arrieta (6-0, 0.84 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (23-6) take on Tanner Roark (2-2, 2.35 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (19-11) in a game that has the potential to be low scoring. This is the last of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 8-5, continuing a six-game winning streak. Chicago can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 8 and can be seen on WGN and MAS2.
Arrieta pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out five and walking two in a 7-1 win over the Pirates. Anthony Rizzo (.267, 26 Rs, 10 HRs, 28 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs. Roark went 7.1 innings, surrendering four runs (one unearned), striking out four and walking two in a 7-6 defeat to the Royals in his last outing.
The odds for Chicago and Washington are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Cubs have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 5.3 per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score runs against the Cubs. The 0.0 runs that Chicago’s pitchers allow per game makes them the top staff in the NL. The Cubs are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.005 so far this season.
Offensively, the Nationals have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Nationals allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Nationals are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.120 for the season.
The Cubs have the edge in the season series, 3-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
The Cubs managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are coming in with a 0-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
The Cubs are coming into the game with six consecutive wins, while the Nationals currently have a losing streak of three.
When they outhit their opponents, the Nationals are 15-2. The Cubs have a 19-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Chicago has earned 180 this season. Washington ranks 11th with 133 runs.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 153 this season. Washington ranks in the top half at 12th with 98.
When the Cubs hit at least one home run, they are 18-2. When the Nationals hit at least one homer, they have a 14-6 record.
