Cubs, Braves return to action after rainout
Even when they’re not winning on the scoreboard, the Cubs still find ways to gain the upper hand.
Saturday’s poor weather in the Windy City temporarily prevented the team from claiming its eighth consecutive victory. The extra time, however, could put third baseman Kris Bryant back in the mix for this afternoon’s showdown with the Braves. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv list Chicago as a 1.5-run favorite, with the over/under run figure resting at 6.5.
Bryant turned his right ankle in Thursday’s 7-2 triumph over Milwaukee and missed the following afternoon’s series opener vs. Atlanta. He seems primed to step into the box against Julio Teheran (0-3, 4.60 ERA), though. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year is in a 10-for-23 groove after a slow start to his sophomore campaign.
The rest of Joe Maddon’s batting order continues to rake as well. Anthony Rizzo’s hitting .310 with five homers and 13 RBIs in the last eight contests, while Dexter Fowler’s .347 mark remains among the National League leaders. They’ll strive to support John Lackey (3-1, 4.97), who’s experienced an up-and-down first month as a Cub, beginning at 2:20 p.m. ET.
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Of course, the veteran righty faces the perfect lineup against which to get well. Where Chicago’s run differential sits at an MLB-best plus-79, the Braves (5-18) have plated a total of 75 runs. Fredi Gonzalez’s group has been outscored 44-16 in the past seven with the Cubbies.
Even if Freddie Freeman (.339 average since April 15) stays hot, Lackey can attack various holes elsewhere. Bryant’s return also provides a lift considering recent injuries suffered by catcher Miguel Montero (back) and outfielder Kyle Schwarber (torn ACL and MCL). Bank on the North Siders to improve to 18-5 in a pretty decisive manner.
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