Bryant among stars in Cubs-White Sox bash
Kris Bryant has been relatively quiet since the All-Star break. The Cubs expect their stud third baseman to bring the noise, however, throughout Rivalry Week.
National League Central-leading Chicago opens a string of battles vs. the White Six tonight, with an 8:10 p.m. ET first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI favor Joe Maddon’s squad, while the hosts represent +175 underdogs. The over/under run figure holds steady at nine.
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Though his average still sits at a sturdy .284, Bryant seemingly left his power in San Diego. In nine post-Midsummer Classic contests, the 24-year-old sensation boasts nary a homer. Bryant’s most recent non-exhibition RBI, for that matter, came on July 10.
In spite of the Las Vegas native’s temporary hiccup, the Cubbies keep motoring forward. Sunday’s 6-5 triumph vs. Milwaukee ensured yet another series victory, and the team gets to send Jake Arrieta (12-4, 2.60 ERA) to the mound this evening. Last week, the reigning Cy Young Award winner held the Mets to one run on five hits in seven innings. He’s 3-1 with a 3.82 ERA in six appearances against the White Sox.
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Robin Ventura responds with Miguel Gonzalez (2-5, 4.41), who’s in the midst of a nice stretch of his own. The righty carries a 2.77 ERA over his past four starts, having gone at least six frames in each of those tilts. Gonzalez will face the Cubs for just the second time in his career.
After so much hullaballoo surrounding Chris Sale’s taste in fashion, the South Siders receive a real chance to legitimize themselves here. If only once, we think Ventura’s troops can rise to the occasion. Anticipate a tight game winding toward the finish line.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: WHITE SOX +1.5