Can Padres prevent Cubs’ eighth straight W?
The Cubs’ early-season success has almost become comical. OK, it’s a laughing matter for those not tasked with standing in the path of the Central Division juggernauts.
Despite falling behind on Sunday, Chicago (24-6) rallied to defeat Washington in extra innings. That means Joe Maddon’s team will be vying for its eight straight victory in tonight’s series opener vs. San Diego. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI take the host squad in a runaway, with the over/under figure sitting at 7.5 runs.
Since 1984, only two clubs have captured at least 24 of their first 30 – Sparky Anderson’s Tigers and now the Cubbies. They continue to obliterate the baseball and excel on the mound in equal measure. Jon Lester (3-1, 1.58 ERA) takes the hill at 8:05 p.m. ET, and he’s permitted one run or none in five of six outings.
This is all very bad news for the Padres (13-19), who’ve managed to record double-digit base knocks in one of the past 12 games. Even No. 2 hitter Wil Myers is mired in a 2-for-20 slump. Rookie hurler Cesar Vargas (0-1, 1.10) must come up big in this spot, because San Diego’s offensive woes won’t correct themselves on a whim.
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Of course, many pitchers with more experience than Vargas have succumbed to Chicago’s explosive attack. Count on Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and the rest of the gang to improve on that MLB-best run differential of plus-102 even further.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS -1.5
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