Indians vs. Cubs Prediction
The series opener was dominated by the Cleveland Indians last night at the Chicago Cubs, winning by a 10-1 final. Will Chicago turn the tides and post a win tonight in game two of the series?
Game Snapshot
979 Cleveland Indians at 980 Chicago Cubs
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Wrigley Field at 8:05PM ET
TV: MLB Network
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are listed as a -163 underdog on the moneyline. The Indians are a +153 underdog, while the total has not yet been set. As of Wednesday morning, 55 percent of public bets are being placed on host Chicago. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Bauer throws six shutout innings
Backed by plenty of run support, Cleveland starting pitcher Trevor Bauer threw six scoreless innings as he gave up seven hits while striking out six and walking two. The Indians scored four in the third inning, three in the fourth and another three in the fifth of the blowout win. Jose Ramirez finished 1-for-2 with a home run, three walks and two runs scored to pace the offense. Francisco Lindor was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two runs. Michael Brantley finished 2-for-6 with two runs. Yonder Alonso finished 3-for-4 with a double, two runs, three RBIs and a walk.
Adam Plutko (1-0, 3.68 ERA) starts today for Cleveland.
Almora, Baez notch multi-hit games
Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. finished 2-for-5 in the loss, while Javier Baez went 2-for-4 with a triple. Ian Happ accounted for the lone Chicago run in the bottom of the ninth with a pinch-hit home run. Kris Bryant added a double and a walk in four at-bats. Tyler Chatwood allowed four earned runs on four hits with a strikeout and six walks over 2 2/3 innings to get saddled with the loss. Mike Montgomery allowed the next six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings of relief.
Jon Lester (4-1, 2.52 ERA) draws today’s start for the Cubs.
MLB Betting Trends
Cleveland
The over is 9-2 in the last 11 Indians games following a win. The under is 6-1-2 in the last nine Cleveland games on a Wednesday.
Chicago
The Cubs are 6-2 in their last eight interleague home games. Chicago is 11-5 in its last 16 home games.
Prediction:
Lester has been pitching great this season and Cleveland has been inconsistent enough to be the perfect candidate to drop a game the day after rolling to a nine-run victory. I can’t trust Plutko as a big underdog here against a potent offense on the road.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CHICAGO CUBS -163