MLB Predictions: Will Martinez lead Cards to victory vs. Cubs? 5/13/17
Will Carlos Martinez lead the Cardinals to victory today when they host the Cubs at 4:05PM ET?
Martinez coming off strong outing vs. Marlins
Martinez held the Marlins to three runs over six innings last Monday to pick up his second win of the season. He was also productive at the plate, clearing the bases with a three-run double in the second inning before adding an RBI single in the fourth. Overall, he struck out seven, walked two, and gave up five hits, including a pair of home runs to Marcell Ozuna.
For the season, Martinez owns a 3.86 ERA. He has 50 strikeouts over 42 innings (seven starts) this season. He’ll look for his third straight win today.
Cubs to counter with Lester
The Cubs will counter the Cards’ ace with their own in Lester. They have been profitable when Lester starts, winning 19 of his last 26 outings. The Cubs are also 13-5 in Lester’s last 18 outings when he’s coming off a Quality Start in his last appearance. In his last five starts against an opponent with a winning record, the Cubs are 4-1.
Where Chicago has struggled to win, however, is when he faces the National League Central. In Lester’s last five starts against the division, the Cubs are just 1-4.
The Odds
According to oddsmakers, the Cubs are -117 money line favorites to beat the Cardinals this afternoon. St. Louis, meanwhile, is -105 on the money line to win today at home. Given the Lester-Martinez pitching matchup, the over/under sits at 7.5 runs.
MLB Prediction
The Cardinals have won six of their last seven games overall and are 5-1 in their last six games following a loss. They’re also 5-0 in their last five games when facing a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
On the other side, the Cubs are just 2-5 in their last seven games despite winning last night in ST. Louis. They’re also 1-4 in their last five games versus a right-handed starter. I like Martinez to out-duel Lester again like he did on opening night.
Saturday MLB Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals -105
