Last Updated on August 23, 2016 8:30 pm by Brad Burns
Arrieta, Cubs eye second straight W vs. Padres
Colorado served as an unforeseen stumbling block for the Cubs over the weekend. Yesterday, though, the majors’ top team returned to business as usual.
Smacking three homers and getting a sparkling performance from hurler Jon Lester, Chicago registered a 5-1 victory over San Diego. The two squads meet again tonight, with a 10:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Petco Park. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Joe Maddon’s bunch odds of -270 to prevail. Conversely, the Padres are considered +230 underdogs.
Road warrior Jake Arrieta (15-5, 2.75 ERA) will stride to the hill for the Cubbies. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner is 9-2 away from the Friendly Confines this season. However, Arrieta did endure a rare misstep last week. Fourth-place Milwaukee tagged the veteran righty for five runs in 5 2/3 innings.
On the other side, Christian Friedrich (4-9, 4.69) draws the unenviable task of containing Kris Bryant. Chicago’s third baseman pounded his 32nd long ball of the year about 16 hours ago. The San Diego product’s hitting at a .394 clip since Aug. 5, catapulting his way into the MVP conversation.
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Despite an up-and-down month, Arrieta still leads the bigs with a .186 OBA. Andy Green’s lineup, with the possible exception of Wil Myers, figures to provide little resistance. Expect the Cubs to improve to 80-45 overall.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS -1.5