Saturday, August 23, 2014

Wrigley Field in Chicago

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles will send Bud Norris (11 - 7, 3.69 ERA) to the hill to take on the Chicago Cubs and Kyle Hendricks (5 - 1, 1.48 ERA). Norris makes his 22^nd start as Hendricks makes his 8^th.

Bud Norris added his 3^rd straight win in his last start. In 7 innings of work, Norris surrendered 2 runs on 3 hits as he struck out 5 without issuing a single walk. Norris has been almost unbeatable in recent outings and his 7 - 2 record in his last 10 starts confirms that point. In 2013, Norris was just 10 - 12 with a 4.18 ERA in 30 starts and 2 relief appearances for the Orioles and the Houston Astros.

Last season, Norris didn't get the decision in his only start against the Cubs. Eight of the Cubs have faced Norris before and they are batting .247 with 18 hits, 2 homers and 9 RBIs in 73 at-bats.

Kyle Hendricks posted his 4^th straight victory in his last start. Hendricks allowed a run (on a solo homer) and 3 hits in 7 innings of work. He walked 2 batters and struck out 3. Hendricks has been masterful for the Cubs since coming up from Triple-A Iowa, where he was 10 - 5 with a 3.59 ERA in 17 starts. His one loss in the Majors was more the result of poor run support than poor pitching.

Hendricks has never faced the Orioles before but if he gives Baltimore a taste of what his other opponents have seen, he could come away with another victory.

Baltimore Orioles Betting Trends

Baltimore Orioles are 54-68-3 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Baltimore Orioles is 0.5

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 62-57-7 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

08/20/14 SS Starlin Castro Personal out indefinitely
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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