Cubs vs. Marlins Prediction
After they were shut out last night, will the Cubs rebound with a win today against the Marlins at 4:10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Cubs are -185 money line favorites to beat the Marlins, who have odds of +160 to pull off the upset. With Jon Lester set to face Justin Nicolino in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 9 runs.
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From Rotoworld: Lester pitched well in a no-decision against the Padres on Monday, allowing two runs on five hits over six frames. The veteran southpaw punched out seven while walking one on the night. All of the damage against him came via the long ball, with Jose Pirela and Yangervis Solarte each clubbing solo homers. While he hasn’t been as dominant as he has been in the past, Lester still owns a respectable 3.83 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 93/29 K/BB ratio over 89 1/3 innings. He’ll take on the Marlins his next time out in Miami on Saturday.
Nicolino lasted three innings and gave up six runs — three earned — Monday versus the Nationals. Nicolino’s own error led to the unearned runs. Nicolino was making his first start since returning from the DL and fourth overall. He was off to a really strong beginning before getting hurt May 30, but just one of his other three starts has ended well. His hold on a rotation spot is pretty tenuous.
Bet Today’s Cubs vs. Marlins Game
OUR PREDICTION: The Cubs are a perfect 5-0 in their last five games following a loss and are 36-16 in Lester’s last 52 starts. They’re also 11-5 in Lester’s last 16 starts when he’s coming off four days of rest and are 22-5 in his last 27 outings versus an opponent that owns a losing record. The Marlins, meanwhile, are 0-5 in Nicolin’s last five starts when he’s coming off four days of rest and have dropped four of their last five home games versus a left-handed starter.
SATURDAY MLB PREDICTION: CHICAGO CUBS -1.5 (+110)