Last Updated on August 24, 2016 3:50 pm by Brad Burns
Cubs look to finish sweep of Green’s Padres
After trouncing Arizona over the weekend, the Padres felt optimistic about their chances of giving the Cubs a competitive series. Leave it to the North Siders to crush another opponent’s spirit.
Chicago takes aim at a three-game sweep this afternoon, with a 3:40 p.m. ET first pitch at Petco Park. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI endorse Joe Maddon’s troops as massive favorites, whereas the Padres typify +215 underdogs. The over/under run total sits at 8.5.
Having already been stifled by Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta, Andy Green’s squad doesn’t exactly face an inferior hurler shortly. In fact, Kyle Hendricks is hard at work crafting a Cy Young-worthy campaign. The NL’s ERA leader has permitted three or fewer runs in 16 consecutive starts. Since June 19, he’s 7-1 with a 0.99 WHIP.
On the other side, Green hands the ball to Paul Clemens. The righty was claimed off waivers from the Marlins on July 1. Most recently, he logged five innings against Arizona, surrendering three runs and eight base knocks.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Clemens frequently loses his command, as evidenced by those 20 walks in 37 1/3 frames. Expect Kris Bryant (.300/.392/.576), Anthony Rizzo (.298/.396/.560) and the rest of the Cubs’ heavy hitters to display great plate patience in the early going before landing a haymaker or two down the stretch. Meanwhile, San Diego seems destined to fall to 53-74 on the year.
WEDNESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/PADRES OVER 8.5 RUNS