Can Cubs seize series from Rockies?
Chicago has zoomed out to a 9-2 start despite getting precious little production from first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Perhaps one prodigious blast, though, is all it takes to put the MVP hopeful right back on track.
Rizzo snapped a 1-for-20 skid with a solo homer in the fourth inning of yesterday’s 6-2 win over Colorado. The same two squads conclude their three-game set this afternoon. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Wrigley Field’s favorite sons odds of -250 to grab the rubber match.
The Cubs can only fantasize about Rizzo’s potential value in a lineup that already features arguably the senior circuit’s hottest player. Outfielder Dexter Fowler is batting .417 and boasts an on-base percentage of .553. He’s setting the table with so much aplomb, it’s just a matter of time until the 3-4-5 men catch fire.
Even if the Rockies’ Tyler Chatwood (1-1, 4.38 ERA) manages to limit Chicago’s offensive contributions, the righty still faces the task of outfoxing Jon Lester. Joe Maddon’s No. 2 option on the hill holds a 2-1 record with a 1.37 ERA in three career turns vs. Colorado. He’s coming off a solid effort earlier in the week, too, having held Cincinnati to three runs and five hits.
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We aren’t prepared to say that Walt Weiss’ club already stands to fall out of contention. Keep in mind, however, that the Cubs own a 10-5 edge in the series since the beginning of the 2014 campaign. Chatwood’s probably not the guy to upset audience expectations.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS -1.5
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