The Cubs have won 6 straight, their batters are on fire in the last week and their pitching has been tops in the league over the last 2 weeks. Steele (4-6, 4.02) has been effective over his last 4 starts, limiting the opposition to just I run in 3 of them. He averages 5 or 6 innings a start and has a 2.55 ERA for the month.

The faltering Giants, are 0-7, have struggled to hit the ball lately, and their pitching, especially the bullpen, has been very suspect. Today’s starter Alex Wood has also been solid in the month of July, and while his starts haven’t been long, he has allowed just 6 runs, 3 earned for the month. Opposing batters are hitting just .195 against him.

While it has been a good month for both starters, the Cubs have a huge edge in recent hitting (.940 OPS compared to .514) and for the moment at least, in relief pitching. Neither starter will likely pitch for length so look for the underdog Cubs to take this one going away. I’m wagering on the underdog Cubs to win today.