Cubs shoot for second straight over D-backs
Last night, Arizona probably figured that it would kick the Cubs while they were down. Instead, the visitors took advantage of a curiously vulnerable Zack Greinke.
Chicago handed last year’s Cy Young runner-up his second straight loss, 4-2, setting the stage for today’s series finale at Chase Field. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like Joe Maddon’s club as a 1.5-run favorite to 5-1 on the campaign.
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The man who actually took home the preeminent pitching hardware in 2015, Jake Arrieta, will take the mound at 4:10 p.m. ET. Chicago’s ace held the Angels to two hits and one walk over six innings in Monday’s opener. He also stands to receive robust support from a pair of offensive sensations so far. Winter acquisition Ben Zobrist laced three more hits yesterday, while lineup catalyst Dexter Fowler reached base safely for the fifth straight contest and ran his average to .526 with seven runs scored.
On the other side, righty Shelby Miller takes the ball for the second time as a Diamondback. He’s tasked with cleaning up after Greinke, whose combustible early-season performance translates to a 0-2 record and 9.90 ERA. Miller fared slightly better in several nights ago, surrendering six base knocks in a no-decision against Colorado.
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This is actually a rematch of a terrific duel last July 19, when Arrieta struck out 10 and outdueled Miller’s Braves in a 4-1 triumph. We expect a similar result here, especially given the Cubs’ nonplussed attitude in the face of losing top prospect Kyle Schwarber for the entire year.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/DIAMONDBACKS UNDER 7.5 RUNS
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