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(MLB) Chi White Sox vs. Chi Cubs,
Point Spread: 1.50 | 110.00 Chi White Sox (Away)
Result: Win
Point Spread: 1.50 | 110.00 Chi White Sox (Away)
Result: Win
The set-up: The Chicago Cubs' took the rubber match of their three-game series with the Cards 5-3 last night on ESPN and have now won eight of nine since returning from the break. The team's starting pitching has been a big reason for Chicago's surge, with seven quality starts in those nine games, as Chicago starters own a 2.41 ERA. With the help of a Milwaukee slump (Brewers have lost seven of eight), the Cubs have moved into a tie with Brewers atop the NL Central. Anyone not see this coming? The Cubs now get set to play a home-and-home four-game series with their crosstown rivals the Chicago White Sox, who limp in on nine-game losing streak (0-8 since the break). The White Sox own the AL's worst record as the meet the Cubs at Wrigley Field Monday and Tuesday before heading back home to the South Side on Wednesday and Thursday.
The pitching matchup: Miguel Gonzalez (4-9 & 4.89 ERA) bets the nod for the visiting White Sox, while Kyle Hendricks (4-3 & 4.09 ERA) returns from a seven-week stint on the DL to take the mound for the Cubs. Gonzalez made his first start since June 14 last Tuesday and held the LA Dodgers to one run over six innings but took the loss in a 1-0 defeat. Gonzalez has been the victim of poor run support as the White Sox have scored three or fewer runs in seven of his last 10 starts (he's 1-9 with a 6.24 ERA in that span!). He has has faced the Cubs twice in his career, going 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA (teams are 1-1). Hendricks has been nowhere near the same pitcher he was in 2016, when he led all MLB starters with a 2.13 ERA. His ERA is almost two runs higher here in 2017 and after allowing 44 walks in 190 innings last season, he's issued 21 walks in 61 2/3 innings in 2017. Hendricks is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts against the White Sox (Cubs are 1-2).
The pick: This marks Hendricks' first start since June 4 (was sidelined for seven weeks due to right hand tendinitis) and the pinpoint command he had last year has been nowhere to be found up until now in 2017. My bet is that Hendricks struggles some and the White Sox have nowhere to go but up. The White Sox and Cubs split four games last year, with each team winning two at home, even in a year in which the Cubs were clearly MLB's best team. All-time, the teams are 27-27 at Wrigley Field. Take the 1 1/2 runs and make the White Sox an 8* play.
The pitching matchup: Miguel Gonzalez (4-9 & 4.89 ERA) bets the nod for the visiting White Sox, while Kyle Hendricks (4-3 & 4.09 ERA) returns from a seven-week stint on the DL to take the mound for the Cubs. Gonzalez made his first start since June 14 last Tuesday and held the LA Dodgers to one run over six innings but took the loss in a 1-0 defeat. Gonzalez has been the victim of poor run support as the White Sox have scored three or fewer runs in seven of his last 10 starts (he's 1-9 with a 6.24 ERA in that span!). He has has faced the Cubs twice in his career, going 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA (teams are 1-1). Hendricks has been nowhere near the same pitcher he was in 2016, when he led all MLB starters with a 2.13 ERA. His ERA is almost two runs higher here in 2017 and after allowing 44 walks in 190 innings last season, he's issued 21 walks in 61 2/3 innings in 2017. Hendricks is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three starts against the White Sox (Cubs are 1-2).
The pick: This marks Hendricks' first start since June 4 (was sidelined for seven weeks due to right hand tendinitis) and the pinpoint command he had last year has been nowhere to be found up until now in 2017. My bet is that Hendricks struggles some and the White Sox have nowhere to go but up. The White Sox and Cubs split four games last year, with each team winning two at home, even in a year in which the Cubs were clearly MLB's best team. All-time, the teams are 27-27 at Wrigley Field. Take the 1 1/2 runs and make the White Sox an 8* play.
