MLB Predictions: Will Giants pull off another upset vs. Cubs? 8/9/17
Are the Giants a good bet to upset the Cubs this afternoon at AT&T Park when the teams wrap up their series at 3:45PM ET?
The Matchup: Cubs vs. Giant, 3:45PM ET, AT&T Park
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are -118 money line road favorites to win today on the road. That makes the Giants +100 money line underdogs to pull off the small upset at home. As for the total, the number hit the board at 8 but has been bet down to 7.5.
Chicago has split over its last 10 games heading into today’s action, which includes last night’s loss in San Francisco. That loss dropped the Cubs’ record to 59-53 overall and 30-27 on the road. As for San Francisco, the club is also 5-5 over its last 10 games and is having a horrid season. The Giants are 45-70 overall and just 26-32 at home.
The Pitching Matchup: Kyle Hendricks (CHC) vs. Madison Bumgarner (SF)
Hendricks is 4-4 on the year and owns a 3.81 ERA over his 78 innings of work. He hasn’t won a start since June 24, which somewhat ironically came against the Giants at Wrigley Field. Hendricks took the loss against the Nationals on August 4 despite pitching seven innings of three-run ball. He allowed five hits, struck out five but was victimized by the long ball, surrendering two home runs.
Bumgarner, meanwhile, is having a rough season. He missed significant time after injuring his shoulder in a dirt bike incident. The three-time World Series winner is 1-5 on the year but his ERA is still an outstanding 2.88. He took another tough loss against the Diamondbacks on August 4, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven and walking two.
Our Prediction:
San Francisco has not been a good bet when Bumgarner pitches, as the team is 1-8 in his last nine starts dating back to last season. But I’m still willing to roll the dice given the +100 price. Bumgarner is still an ace and he’s pitching well, he’s just not getting any run support. Hopefully the Giants get to Hendricks tonight and “Mad Bum” pitches well.
Wednesday MLB Prediction: San Francisco Giants +100
