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Rogers' *10* MLB Game of the Day >> +$31,234 Since May 1st!
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Milwaukee,
Money Line: -160.00 Chi Cubs (Away)
Result: Win
Money Line: -160.00 Chi Cubs (Away)
Result: Win
The set-up: The Milwaukee Brewers took a 5 1/2 game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central into the All Star break. However, while the Cubs came out of the break red-hot (won six straight and 11 of 132, the Brewers, after winning their first two games back, would lose their next six and nine of 11. That meant that when the Cubs came to Miller Park to visit the Brewers last night in the opener of a three-game series, Chicago had caught Milwaukee and led the division by 1 1/2 games. However, the Brewers celebrated returning home off a 2-8 road trip by edging the Cubs 2-1. The Brewers have won 10 of their last 12 at home and can now reclaim first place in the NL Central with a second consecutive victory over the defending world champions on Saturday. It would be hadr to criticize the Cubs though, as they are 11-3 since the break, led by a starting staff that has posted a 2.54 ERA with10 quality starts in its 14 games since the break.
The pitching matchup: Kyle Hendricks (4-3 & 3.95 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago and Junior Guerra (1-4 & 5.22 ERA) for Milwaukee. Hendricks came off the disabled list to start Monday against the crosstown White Sox, allowing one run and eight hits over 4 1/3 innings (White Sox would win, 3-1). He was lifted after 92 pitches but he didn't issue a walk, which is a good sign for a pitcher who relies on command. Hendricks is 6-3 with a 2.80 ERA in 12 career starts against the Brewers (Cubs are 8-4), with a win and a no-decision this season (Cubs are 2-0). Guerra takes the mound looking for his first win since May 31. He's made nine starts since that last win and hasn't recorded a quality start in any of his last five. Guerra is 0-4 (Brewers are 3-6) in his win-less streak and owns a 6.34 ERA in that stretch. Guerra is 1-0 with a 2.03 ERA in two starts against the Cubs (Brewers are 1-1), with both occurring last season.
The pick: Not sure how one can back Guerra at this point and Hendricks has enjoyed his visits to Miller Park, going 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA in six starts. Hendricks is not quite teh same pitcher who led MLB last season in ERA (2.13) but he's still a quality starter, something Guerra is not! Make the Cubs a 10* play.
The pitching matchup: Kyle Hendricks (4-3 & 3.95 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago and Junior Guerra (1-4 & 5.22 ERA) for Milwaukee. Hendricks came off the disabled list to start Monday against the crosstown White Sox, allowing one run and eight hits over 4 1/3 innings (White Sox would win, 3-1). He was lifted after 92 pitches but he didn't issue a walk, which is a good sign for a pitcher who relies on command. Hendricks is 6-3 with a 2.80 ERA in 12 career starts against the Brewers (Cubs are 8-4), with a win and a no-decision this season (Cubs are 2-0). Guerra takes the mound looking for his first win since May 31. He's made nine starts since that last win and hasn't recorded a quality start in any of his last five. Guerra is 0-4 (Brewers are 3-6) in his win-less streak and owns a 6.34 ERA in that stretch. Guerra is 1-0 with a 2.03 ERA in two starts against the Cubs (Brewers are 1-1), with both occurring last season.
The pick: Not sure how one can back Guerra at this point and Hendricks has enjoyed his visits to Miller Park, going 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA in six starts. Hendricks is not quite teh same pitcher who led MLB last season in ERA (2.13) but he's still a quality starter, something Guerra is not! Make the Cubs a 10* play.
