Giants’ Cain to continue comeback vs. Cubs?
For the first time in years, Matt Cain seems to have his head above water. But the San Francisco hurler must do better than that if he hopes to topple the majors’ best team today.
Cain and the Giants battle the Cubs at 7:15 p.m. ET in the second contest of a three-game set. Online sports book BetDSI questions the former All-Star’s ability to post a vintage performance, listing Bruce Bochy’s troops as 1.5-run home underdogs. Chicago, meanwhile, garners odds of -175 to capture its second in a row out West.
Joe Maddon’s club prevailed last night, 8-1, behind another marvelous performance from Jake Arrieta. The win did not come without a price, however, as Jason Heyward crashed into the wall head-first and suffered an apparent abdominal injury in the process of making a spectacular catch. While the right fielder’s status remains up in the air, the Cubs (29-11) know Jon Lester will assume the evening’s assignment on the rubber. The lefty (4-2, 1.88 ERA) boasts victories in each of his three starts vs. San Francisco. He also muzzled the Pirates one week ago, yielding a season-low two hits and striking out nine in 6 2/3 innings.
After a sad, injury-precipitated fall from grace, Cain (0-5, 5.87) is still searching for widespread respect. The past two outings have helped the Alabama native’s cause. Cain surrendered two runs across eight frames of a 4-0 defeat to the Blue Jays on May 10 before permitting Arizona just one tally on Sunday.
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Unfortunately, the Giants (25-19) steadfastly refuse to hit for their erstwhile co-ace. At least Buster Posey’s .364 career average vs. Lester provides some reason for optimism. With or without Heyward, though, Chicago’s order ostensibly presents too many challenges for Cain. One step forward, two steps back.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/GIANTS OVER 7.5 RUNS
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