In a matchup against Robbie Ray (3-10, 3.72 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (65-70) in the second of a three-game series at Wrigley Field, Jake Arrieta (17-6, 2.11 ERA) gets the start for the Chicago Cubs (76-57) in his first start since delivering a no-hitter. The Cubs won the last game 14-5 and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 2:20 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 5 and will air on CSCh and FSAZ.
In his last start, Arrieta pitched 9.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out 12 and walking one in a 2-0 victory over the Dodgers. Anthony Rizzo (.285, 76 Rs, 28 HRs, 83 RBIs, 15 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two runs, one home run, and four RBIs. The Diamondbacks were unsuccessful the last time Ray pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 5.2 innings, giving up one run, striking out eight and walking three in a 5-4 loss to the Rockies. Paul Goldschmidt (.322, 85 Rs, 27 HRs, 97 RBIs, 21 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Chicago is a considerable -212 favorite at home and the Over/Under (O/U) for this matchup is unavailable at the moment. The Cubs have a winning record of 55-33 when playing as the favorite and an overall money line of +584. The Cubs have the top batting average in the league at .242. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the NL with an average of 3.4 walks per game. Chicago’s pitching staff has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game rose to 5.2 during that span, compared to its 4.0 season average. The Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking fifth in the league with a 1.20 WHIP. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the NL with 8.7 strikeouts per game.
Across the field, the Diamondbacks have a record of 37-42 when they are the underdog and are -81 overall with the money line. Over the last 10 games, they were winless as the underdog with a 0-3 record and 3-7 SU. The Diamondbacks are the top-ranked scoring offense in the NL when playing on the road, averaging four runs per game so far. The Diamondbacks have racked up 117 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
The Cubs will take on a right-hander (Ray) in this game and have a 59-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Arrieta will take the mound against the Diamondbacks, who have a 50-50 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
The Cubs managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Diamondbacks who are coming in with a 32-19 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 13-46. The Cubs have a 16-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 18th in home runs, Arizona has hit 123 this season. Chicago ranks eighth with 144 home runs.
Arizona tops the league in hits with 9.31 per game this season. Chicago ranks in the top half at 15th with 8.10.
Ranking 18th, Chicago is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.717). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .738.
The Diamondbacks are 33-58 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Cubs are 36-38 when they allow at least one homer.
