FREE
Stephen Nover Free Friday Play
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Milwaukee,
07/22/2016 4:10 PM, Score: 5 - 2
Money Line: 153.00 Milwaukee (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: 153.00 Milwaukee (Home)
Result: Loss
Cubs versus Brewers. Mismatch, right? I say the perception doesn't fit the reality in this game.
The Brewers own a winning record at home. The Cubs are 1-6 in their last seven road games and have dropped seven of their last eight away matchups to teams with a winning home mark.
Despite their below .500 overall record, the Brewers draw good home support especially when they host their hated nearby division rival.
The pitching matchup is 33-year-old Jason Hammel versus Jimmy Nelson, who is entering his prime at 27 while displaying signs of living up to being the No. 1 pitcher on the staff the Brewers envisioned the past couple of seasons.
Hammel has been less than special away from Wrigley Field with a 4-4 record and 3.81 ERA. He's lost four of his past five decisions. I consider Hammel the weak link in the Cubs' rotation.
Nelson began the season 5-3 with a 2.88 ERA. Then he hit a seven-start downturn. He's bounced back strong posting a 1.86 ERA during his last five starts. Nelson blanked the Reds in seven innings during his last start this past Saturday striking out seven while giving up six hits. He has a 2.83 lifetime ERA against the Cubs in nine appearances, including seven starts.
It's widely accepted that the Yankees have the best seventh/eighth/ninth inning relief trio with Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.
But the Brewers could have the best NL trio of late-inning relievers with Will Smith (2.00 ERA), Tyler Thornburg (2.39 ERA) and closer Jeremy Jeffress (2.23 ERA).
(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is 17-6 on his last 23 premium and free MLB plays, including 8-2 on his last 10.)
The Brewers own a winning record at home. The Cubs are 1-6 in their last seven road games and have dropped seven of their last eight away matchups to teams with a winning home mark.
Despite their below .500 overall record, the Brewers draw good home support especially when they host their hated nearby division rival.
The pitching matchup is 33-year-old Jason Hammel versus Jimmy Nelson, who is entering his prime at 27 while displaying signs of living up to being the No. 1 pitcher on the staff the Brewers envisioned the past couple of seasons.
Hammel has been less than special away from Wrigley Field with a 4-4 record and 3.81 ERA. He's lost four of his past five decisions. I consider Hammel the weak link in the Cubs' rotation.
Nelson began the season 5-3 with a 2.88 ERA. Then he hit a seven-start downturn. He's bounced back strong posting a 1.86 ERA during his last five starts. Nelson blanked the Reds in seven innings during his last start this past Saturday striking out seven while giving up six hits. He has a 2.83 lifetime ERA against the Cubs in nine appearances, including seven starts.
It's widely accepted that the Yankees have the best seventh/eighth/ninth inning relief trio with Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.
But the Brewers could have the best NL trio of late-inning relievers with Will Smith (2.00 ERA), Tyler Thornburg (2.39 ERA) and closer Jeremy Jeffress (2.23 ERA).
(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is 17-6 on his last 23 premium and free MLB plays, including 8-2 on his last 10.)
