MLB Predictions: Will Cubs knock off Brewers again Friday? 9/22/17
Will the Cubs take down their National League Central rivals again tonight when they visit the Brewers at 7:35PM ET?
The Odds: Cubs at Brewers, 7:35PM ET, Miller Park
According to oddsmakers, Chicago is -109 money line favorites to knock off Milwaukee. That makes the Brewers -101 money line underdogs to pull off the small upset. The total, meanwhile, sits at 9 runs.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs will send John Lackey to the hill tonight. He was ejected from last Friday’s game against the Cardinals following an argument with home plate umpire Jordan Baker. Lackey was incensed over a pitch to Carlos Martinez in the top of the fifth inning that was called a ball but should have been strike three. After Martinez promptly delivered a RBI single on the next offering, Lackey lost it on Baker and was ejected. Lackey might be fined, but a suspension seems unlikely. He was charged with two runs on three hits and two walks over 4 2/3 frames before getting the heave-ho.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers will counter with Brandon Woodruff. He limited the Marlins to three earned runs over seven innings Sunday for his second major league win. Woodruff had a messy fourth inning, but it was a positive overall outing for the 24-year-old right-hander and the Brewers’ offense gave him 10 runs of support on 16 hits. Woodruff struck out five, issued zero walks, and scattered eight hits. He now owns a 3.28 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 28/10 K/BB ratio through his first 35 2/3 major league innings.
Our Prediction
Chicago has been an excellent play in Milwaukee recently. The Cubs have won five of their last six games against the Brewers at Miller Park. They’re also 4-0 in their last four games versus divisional rivals, are 8-1 in their last nine games overall, and are 10-2 in Lackey’s last 12 starts.
Continuing with the trends, the Cubs are 4-1 in Lackey’s last five starts coming off six days of rest and are 4-1 in his last five road outings. They’re also 4-1 in their last five road games and have covered in 16 of their last 21 games coming off a victory. I like Chicago to get it done again tonight.
Friday MLB Prediction: Chicago Cubs -109
