MLB 3-Pack
(MLB) San Francisco vs. Chi Cubs,
Money Line: -133.00 Chi Cubs (Home)
Result: Win
Play: Chicago Cubs
Rating: 8*

The Chicago Cubs have taken two of three from the San Francisco Giants so far in this series. The Giants defeated the Cubs 3-2 on Saturday, but this looks like a good spot for the Cubs to bounce back.

John Lackey (9-7, 3.41) takes the ball for Chicago as he makes his first major leagues start since Aug.14 as he landed on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain shortly after. The veteran is 6-4 with a 2.47 ERA through 13 starts home at Wrigley this season and I don't think the time off will have any negative effect on him.

The Giants turn to Johnny Cueto (14-5, 2.98 ERA) who was charged with four runs on five hits and four walks in just 4 2/3 innings of a loss to Arizona his last time out. Cueto is 1-4 with a 4.25 ERA in nine starts since the All Star break and the Giants have won only two of his last seven starts.

The Cubs have the division and the league(?) pretty much wrapped up already, but considering this is a possible National League playoff matchup I still think they'll give their everything here against the Giants. San Francisco has struggled since the All Star break and the club is 1-8 in its last nine vs. a team with a winning record. We can also note that the Cubs are a solid 26-12 SU in day games home at Wrigley on the season and that Chicago's relievers have pitched eight perfect innings during this series.