Cubs’ Lackey eyes turnaround against Brewers
John Lackey has been decidedly ordinary away from Wrigley Field this season. Perhaps a trip to one of his favorite haunts, though, can help reverse that trend.
The Cubs’ veteran righty takes the hill in Milwaukee tonight, with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Miller Park. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv endorse the visiting team here, listing Chicago as a 1.5-run favorite. The Brewers, conversely, are +145 underdogs.
Bet on This Evening’s MLB Action
Joe Maddon’s gang took yesterday’s series opener, 5-2, thanks in part to the stellar work of starting hurler Jason Hammel. If Lackey wants to follow suit, he’ll need to rise to the occasion in a place other than the Windy City. The two-time World Series champion is 0-4 in his last seven road assignments. Contrast that with a mark of 4-4, not to mention a 2.84 ERA, in nine outings on the North Side.
Fortunately, Lackey relishes facing Craig Counsell’s group anywhere. The Texas native owns a 5-1 record with a 2.95 ERA in nine career efforts vs. the franchise. His adversary on the bump, Zach Davies, should also feel confident in light of a 6-1 stretch since May 4.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Nonetheless, Milwaukee sits 17 ½ games behind the division-leading Cubbies due to a multitude of reasons. Even if Davies manages to venture deep into the contest, Counsell’s bullpen remains extremely vulnerable. Bank on Chicago’s post-All-Star break roll to continue in a big way.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/BREWERS OVER 8.5 RUNS