Cubs’ Bryant barreling up vs. Reds
Career games aren’t supposed to be mustered by those with fewer than 250 appearances in the majors. Then again, Kris Bryant isn’t your typical wet-behind-the-ears phenom.
The third baseman on Monday showed precisely why he’s regarded as Chicago’s offensive cornerstone moving forward. In an historic performance, Bryant almost singlehandedly powered the Cubs to an 11-8 victory over the Reds. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year became the first player ever to slam three home runs and record two doubles in the same contest.
Such an outburst was greatly appreciated in light of the NL Central leaders’ recent struggles. Now, the whole squad feels rejuvenated entering tonight’s second round with Cincinnati. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv like Chicago as a 1.5-run favorite, while Bryan Price’s troops represent +230 underdogs. The over/under run figure sits at 8.5.
Even if Bryant can’t offer an encore for the ages, manager Joe Maddon must feel confident in the lefty striding to the hill at 7:10 p.m. ET. Jon Lester, he of the 13 quality starts, tries to improve to 3-0 in his career vs. the Reds. Most recently, the three-time All-Star fanned seven over seven innings of two-run ball vs. the Marlins.
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On the other side, Price deploys Jon Lamb. The southpaw previously faced the Cubbies on Oct. 1, surrendering five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of a 5-3 defeat. Look for more of the same here, with the visitors eager to secure their fourth straight series win over Cincy.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/REDS OVER 8.5 RUNS
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