Friday, September 12, 2014

PNC Park in Pittsburgh

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, the Chicago Cubs will take the field behind Tsuyoshi Wada (4 – 2, 2.95 ERA) as they face the Pittsburgh Pirates and Gerrit Cole (8 – 5, 3.89 ERA).  Wada will make his 11th start and Cole will make his 19th start. 

Tsuyoshi Wada had a short outing his last time on the hill and came away with a no-decision.  Wada pitched 3.1 innings and allowed 3 runs and 3 hits while walking a batter and striking out 2.  He left the game early with a left calf strain but he is expected to be ready for this start.  Wada has only had a few bad starts since coming up from Triple-A Iowa in July.  At Iowa, Wada posted a record of 10 – 6 with a 2.77 ERA in 18 starts and 1 relief appearance.

Wada’s last start was against the Pirates and he should be able to quickly recall what worked and what didn’t work so that he can replicate whatever is needed to get the win.

Gerrit Cole wasn’t in great form in his last start but he managed to secure the victory.  In 6 innings of work, Cole gave up 4 runs and 9 hits.  He struck out 8 without issuing any walks.  Cole has had some trouble in recent outings but those struggles haven’t affected his record.  He is 5 – 2 in his last 10 outings.  Last season, Cole went 10 – 7 with a 3.22 ERA in 19 starts.

During his rookie campaign in 2013, Cole was a perfect 2 – 0 with a 2.08 ERA in 2 starts against the Cubs.  This season, he is 2 – 0 against the Cubs in 2 starts and that includes the win in his last outing.          

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 72-67-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.6

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 67-70-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.2

Injuries to Watch

Chicago Cubs

09/03/14 SS Starlin Castro Ankle out for season
09/01/14 1B Anthony Rizzo Back out indefinitely
08/30/14 CF Justin Ruggiano Ankle 60-day DL (8/23), out for season
08/28/14 RF Ryan Sweeney Hamstring 60-day DL (8/26)
08/21/14 P Edwin Jackson Shoulder 15-day DL (8/21)
08/10/14 P Brian Schlitter Shoulder 15-day DL (8/9)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)

Pittsburgh Pirates

09/10/14 3B Pedro Alvarez Foot out indefinitely
08/18/14 P Charlie Morton Hernia 15-day DL (8/16)
08/16/14 P Stolmy Pimentel Ankle 15-day DL (8/14)

Tony's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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