Cubs seek to clobber Mariners again
During the first half of the season, NL Central-leading Chicago administered thumpings with regularity. Friday, however, marked the team’s first throttling in quite a while.
The Cubs spanked the Mariners, 12-1, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo notched a trio of RBIs. Jon Lester also twirled six spotless innings to lift Joe Maddon’s crew to an MLB-best 62-40. Seattle, on the other hand, lost for the third time in four trips to the Windy City.
Discover an Easy Way to Make Big $$$$! Get 20% off. Call now! 1-866-491-0259
This afternoon, the interleague series continues at Wrigley Field. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv back the host squad, whereas the M’s typify +205 underdogs. The over/under run figure rests at 7.5.
Maddon gives the ball to Jake Arrieta, who aims to rebound from his misfire against the White Sox earlier in the week. The reigning Cy Young winner surrendered four runs on five hits across six frames. He’s 0-1 with a 4.63 ERA in three career meetings with the Mariners. The two sides haven’t crossed paths, though, in four years.
In light of Hishashi Iwakuma’s debacle in the opener, Seattle skipper Scott Servais needs Wade Miley to venture deep into the middle match. Still, the veteran righty’s recent numbers are troubling. Miley totes a 0-4 record with a 1.48 WHIP in July. His last victory occurred on June 7 vs. Cleveland.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Chicago’s sluggers tend to maul hurlers with second-tier stuff, so it could be another long matinee on the North Side. Perhaps even Jason Heyward finds a way to string together two straight gems. The Cubs’ struggling right fielder (.229/.316/.323) just went yard off Iwakuma, and he’s eager to turn the page on a month that has produced but six extra-base knocks.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: CUBS -1.5