Rangers’ Hamels aims to terrorize Cubs again
The last time Cole Hamels visited Wrigley Field, things didn’t go so well for the home team. On that memorable afternoon of July 25, 2015, though, the lefty crafted the finest outing of his career.
In his final outing as a Phillie, Hamels no-hit the Cubs. Now with the Rangers, the All-Star eyes another phenomenal performance in today’s series finale vs. the North Siders. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv lean toward Chicago, while Texas enters as a +113 underdog. The over/under run total comes in at 9.5.
Hamels likely won’t author a completely unblemished start this afternoon, but Jeff Banister definitely needs a premium one. The Rangers have dropped two in a row in the Windy City, with even Yu Darvish’s much-ballyhooed return to the rotation failing to generate results. Fortunately, Hames knows how to attack Joe Maddon’s troops. The 2008 World Series MVP boasts a 4-1 record with a 2.00 ERA in eight career clashes against them.
As for the host club, John Lackey looks to dig out of a recent run. The veteran righty’s in the midst of a five-game winless streak. He’s been pummeled by NL Central rivals in each of the past two assignments, surrendering five runs to the Pirates and six to the Reds. Lackey, who spent eight seasons with the Angels, is 14-15 in a whopping 40 lifetime meetings with Texas.
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Despite the Cubbies’ strong beginning to the second half, we love Hamels’ chances here. The Rangers don’t want to see their once-healthy division lead over Houston potentially slip to 3 ½ games by the end of the weekend. Bank on them to improve to 26-23 on the road.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: RANGERS +1.5