Cubs, possibly sans Rizzo, confront Braves
Atlanta elicited a double take or two with last night’s 5-1 triumph over the Cubs. A victory in today’s middle contest, though, would cause mass hysteria.
Brian Snitker’s Braves aim to hand Jake Arrieta his second defeat in a row this afternoon, with a 4:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Turner Field. Handicappers clearly aren’t ready to embrace the hosts just yet. According to online sports book BetDSI, Chicago (41-18) symbolizes a massive favorite. Atlanta, conversely, enters as a +270 underdog.
Roughly 14 hours ago, Snitker received a terrific outing from hurler Bud Norris to stifle the best team in the majors. Third baseman Adonis Garcia and catcher Tyler Flowers also belted back-to-back home runs in the second. It was truly an unforeseen bright spot in an otherwise despondent campaign.
Now, however, the reality of facing the reigning National League Cy Young winner sets in. Despite striking out 12 in five innings, Arrieta (9-1, 1.80 ERA) fell to the Diamondbacks over the weekend. He is 2-3 with a 2.81 ERA in four assignments against the Braves (18-42).
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The home squad responds with Matt Wisler (2-6, 3.98), who suffered a rare misstep in his most recent appearance. NL West stalwart Los Angeles torched the young righty for eight runs in four frames. Nonetheless, Wisler hasn’t absorbed many Ls in Georgia.
Anthony Rizzo’s uncertain status could make the 23-year-old’s matinee job a lot easier. Still, we expect the Cubbies to band together here. With Arrieta leading the way, bank on one of the visitors’ customary routs.
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