Last Updated on August 17, 2016 6:44 pm by Brad Burns
Cubs look to extend dominance over Brewers
The Cubs boast an MLB-best 3.11 ERA in 2016, including a 2.67 figure at Wrigley Field. Yesterday, Joe Maddon’s hurlers had twice the usual amount of fun.
Chicago secured a doubleheader sweep of Milwaukee, holding the visiting club to one run and nine hits hits in 18 innings. The two squads reconvene tonight, with an 8:05 p.m. ET first pitch in Windy City. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the Cubs odds of -330 to prevail again. The Brewers, on the other hand, enter as +265 underdogs.
Jon Lester looks to continue the hosts’ run of excellence on the mound. In 32 career outings at the Friendly Confines, the lefty holds a 14-11 record with a 3.06 ERA. Most recently, he limited the Cardinals to two runs and five hits across six innings.
On the other side, Jimmy Nelson hopes to reverse a horrific stretch. Craig Counsell’s righty is 1-9 in his past 13 starts. He’s also 0-5 with a 2.91 ERA in 10 career meetings with the Cubbies.
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Making matters worse, Milwaukee may not even have its most dangerous hitter in the lineup. Ryan Braun suffered a knee injury in the third game of the series. The former National League MVP was lifted after running into a wall along the left-field line.
With or without Braun, though, the Brewers are clearly outclassed here. Look for Lester to work deep into the evening and conserve a winded bullpen. Conversely, Milwaukee seems destined to slip to 19-38 away from Miller Park.
WEDNESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS -1.5