Cubs, Arrieta to ambush Pirates again?
Jake Arrieta was none too pleased about seeing his MLB-record streak of 24 straight quality starts come to an end last week. What better way to begin a new run of excellence, though, than against a division rival?
Chicago’s ace aims to do precisely that in tonight’s middle contest of a three-game set vs. Pittsburgh, with a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch at PNC Park. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI like his chances, too, listing the road team as a 1.5-run favorite. The over/under total rests at seven runs.
The reigning National League Cy Young winner battled uncharacteristic control issues in his most recent outing. Arrieta (5-0, 1.00 ERA) walked four across five innings, still managing to secure the W over Milwaukee. He’s been particularly good in encounters with the Pirates, going 7-1 with a 1.46 ERA in 10 career meetings.
Clint Hurdle counters with Jonathon Niese, whose 3-0 record masks an ugly 5.08 ERA. The lefty does seem to have Anthony Rizzo’s number, however, as the Cubs’ cleanup man hits .118 (2 for 17) in head-to-head battles.
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Chicago (18-6) has an abundance of motivation to reach 13 games above .500 in 25 contests or fewer for the first time since 1969. Joe Maddon’s squad also boasts three victories in a row over the Buccos (15-11), not to mention five consecutive triumphs in the Steel City. Niese’s fielders better be on their toes, because the rawhide’s coming in hot.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS/PIRATES OVER 7 RUNS
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