Friday, August 22, 2014

Wrigley Field in Chicago

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles will give the ball to Kevin Gausman (7 – 4, 3.70 ERA) as they take on the Chicago Cubs and Jake Arrieta (6 – 4, 2.61 ERA).  It will be the 14th start for Gausman and the 20th for Arrieta.

Kevin Gausman had a decent start his last time out and it resulted in a win.  In 6 innings of work, Gausman surrendered a run on 2 hits while walking a season-high 4 and striking out 2.  Gausman hasn’t been that great in recent starts but he has found a way to win.  In his last 10 outings, Gausman is 5 – 3.  Last season, Gausman went 3 – 5 with a 5.66 ERA in 5 starts and 15 relief appearances.

Gausman has never faced the Cubs but with the help of the rest of the pitching staff and a good scouting report, he should have a good chance to win.

Jake Arrieta pitched a gem in his last start but he failed to get the decision.  Arrieta hurled 7 innings of shutout ball and allowed just 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9.  The win broke a 2 game losing streak for the young righty although only one of the losses was his fault.  In his last 10 outings, Arrieta’s record is 3 – 3 but it could have easily been better.  Last season, Arrieta went 5 - 4 with a 4.78 ERA in 14 starts for the Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles.

Arrieta has faced some of the hitters on his old team and he hasn’t fared well.  The 7 Orioles that have faced Arrieta are batting .318 against him with 7 hits and an RBI in 22 at-bats.         

Baltimore Orioles Betting Trends

Baltimore Orioles are 54-67-3 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Baltimore Orioles is 0.5

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 61-57-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Baltimore Orioles

08/12/14 3B Manny Machado Knee 15-day DL (8/12)
06/17/14 C Matt Wieters Elbow 60-day DL (5/11), out for season
06/03/14 P Johan Santana Shoulder 60-day DL (6/2), out for season
04/03/14 P Edgmer Escalo Shoulder 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 LF Francisco Peguero Wrist 15-day DL (3/21)

Chicago Cubs

08/10/14 P Brian Schlitter Shoulder 15-day DL (8/9)
07/31/14 P Felix Doubront Calf 15-day DL (7/31)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

Tony's Pick: Take Baltimore

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