Yesterday’s Astros/Orioles game gave us a 2-1 record on our imaginary wagers this week. That puts us at 3-3 on the week, after going 1-2 on Monday, and we’re nearly even a -$0.55. A winning record today would but us back in the black and we’re hoping to do just that with the Cubs (59-55) vs. the Mets (51-62).
The Pitchers
Chicago’s Kyle Hendricks (4-6, 3.98 ERA) was rocked for seven runs against Atlanta in his last start. He’s allowing an average of 3.6 earned runs, per game, over his last five starts and he’s collected just one win during that span.
The pitching situation is a little more complicated for the Mets who are using David Peterson (3-7, 5.65 ERA) to replace Max Scherzer, who was traded to the Rangers last month. The deepest Peterson has gone in his last five appearances is three innings. That’s mostly because he’s been a bullpen guy who was promoted after the Scherzer trade. His time on the mound may have been limited but it’s been effective. He’s only allowed one earned run over his last 8.2 innings pitched. That said, the Mets have allowed an average of 4.8 earned runs per game over the last five.
The Lineups
Patrick Wisdom and Nico Hoerner are the heavy hitters in Chicago’s lineup. Wisdom leads the squad with 19 home runs, while Hoerner has a team best .274 batting average and 58 RBI. The Cubs have scored 19 runs over the last five games.
For the Mets it’s Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo who power the offense. Alonso has blasted 34 home runs while Nimmo is batting .254 with 85 RBI. The Mets have also plated 19 runs over the last five games.
The Streaks
The Cubs have won three of their last five games while the Mets have lost four of their last five. That one win for New York was an 11-2 victory over Chicago to open this series.
The Odds
Cubs 1.5
Cubs on the moneyline -105
O/U 9
I am a sucker for home underdogs and that’s why I’m picking the Mets tonight against the spread at +1.5. I also like New York on the moneyline and, despite taking it on the chin recently, I still like the under here.
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