Cubs aim to avoid sweep against Cardinals
It’s only been two days, but the Cubs are already missing the man who propelled their offensive efforts for the first two-plus months of the season.
Chicago still holds the top record in the majors at 47-22. Even so, leadoff man Dexter Fowler’s absence was definitely felt in back-to-back defeats to St. Louis. The National League Central archrivals conclude a scintillating three-game series this afternoon.
According to oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI, Joe Maddon’s club is a 1.5-run favorite. St. Louis, conversely, represents a +205 underdog to complete the sweep. The over/under run figure rests at 7.5 in advance of the 2:20 p.m. ET first pitch.
When Fowler (hamstring) was placed on the disabled list at the beginning of the week, Maddon acknowledged that he would be forced to mix and match in the top third of the Cubbies’ lineup. Yet the skipper probably didn’t expect his squad to labor through consecutive contests against Jaime Garcia and Adam Wainwright, respectively. In the past 18 innings, Chicago has produced a total of five runs on 16 hits.
Of course, that’s the challenge of replacing an individual who had amassed 35 walks, 19 doubles and 115 total bases to go along with a .290 batting average. Perhaps Jake Arrieta’s presence on the hill will rouse the lumber in a short while. The heralded righty is 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three June assignments.
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The distinct possibility remains, though, that Arrieta may not take the ball in the first place. Windy City weather conditions are absolutely horrendous at the moment, and these combatants have lengthy flights already queued up. In the event that Mother Nature cooperates, however, look for Arrieta and Michael Wacha to engage in a pretty spirited duel.
WEDNESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CARDINALS/CUBS UNDER 7.5 RUNS
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