Jon Lester (7-8, 3.22 ERA) and Tyler Cravy (0-3, 5.40 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (64-48) and the Milwaukee Brewers (48-67) at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 3-2, continuing a six-game winning streak. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 13 and can be seen on WLS and FSWI.
Lester pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out three and walking two in a 7-3 win over the Giants. Kris Bryant (.249, 60 Rs, 16 HRs, 66 RBIs, 12 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Cravy went 5.0 innings, surrendering six runs, striking out four and walking two in a 6-0 defeat to the Cardinals in his last outing. Ryan Braun (.272, 68 Rs, 20 HRs, 64 RBIs, 16 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Brewers, going 3 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Chicago, a substantial -226 favorite, takes on Milwaukee. The Cubs have recorded an overall money line of +599 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 44-28. Chicago is unbeaten as the favorite and has a 9-1 SU record in its last ten outings. The Cubs have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.0 runs per game. The Cubs are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 293. Chicago is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 78 bases. Chicago’s pitchers fall apart when division rivals are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game rises to 4.2 against fellow NL Central members, compared to its 3.8 season average. The Cubs are the second-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.18 so far this season.
In the other locker room, Milwaukee is coming in with an overall money line of -1,745 and a disappointing record of 28-42 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-4 record, and a 4-6 record SU. Milwaukee’s pitching staff is one of the top in the NL at pitching on the road, with a 3.77 ERA.
The Cubs lead the season series, 8-4. The Cubs have a 49-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Cravy takes the mound. Lester (LHP) will be on the hill against the Brewers, who have a 13-12 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
The Brewers lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Cubs are 26-17. The Brewers are 13-13 in close games this season.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Brewers have a 12-30 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
The Cubs are coming into the game with six consecutive wins, while the Brewers currently have a losing streak of two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Brewers are 34-9. The Cubs have a 41-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd in runs, Chicago has earned 441 this season. Milwaukee ranks 20th with 448 runs.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 389 this season. Milwaukee ranks near the bottom at 23rd with 284.
The Cubs are 41-19 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Brewers are 36-25 when they hit at least one homer.
