Marlins vs Cubs MLB Betting + Handicapping Picks
While making the postseason seems a stretch, the Chicago Cubs have turned a corner, and will aim to extend their success with a win over the visiting Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on Wednesday.
MIA: Josh Johnson (5-6, 4.28) vs. CHC: Jeff Samardzija (6-8, 4.71)
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 17, 8:05 PM ET
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL.
Broadcast: FOX Sports (Florida), WGN (Chicago)
Spread: OFF
Over/Under: OFF
While sitting over a dozen games back in the NL Central heading into Tuesday’s night first of three with Miami, the Cubs seem more than ready to accept that will miss the postseason for a fourth consecutive year, but they haven’t given up, picking up the pace considerably, over the past four weeks.
Looking to keep that trend alive will be starter Jeff Samardzija.
The 27-year-old righty had his second solid start in a row against the Mets Saturday; however, a pair of longballs was enough to earn him a loss, as the Cubs’ offense struggled to back him up.
Samardzija wrestled through an awful June, allowing 27 earned runs in 23 1/3 innings, but has improved dramatically in July, allowing just four runs over 14 innings, with 15 strikeouts and just three walks in two starts.
However, he was hit hard for five runs in 3 2/3 innings in a start against Miami earlier this season, so this outing could provide the proof of whether or not he is indeed on the upswing. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
But it’s not just Samadzija that the Marlins have had their way with, as Miami has flat out dominated the Cubbies, outscoring them 39-14 during a five-game winning streak heading into this series. Including a sweep of a three-game series at home April 17-19.
Meanwhile, the Marlins, who arrived at Wrigley coming off a 5-4 walkoff loss at St. Louis, will go with Josh Johnson on the mound in Game 2.
The 28-year-old righty is struggling this season and is currently on pace to hit career-low numbers. He has a 8.70 ERA with a 2.42 WHIP in his last two starts, but will face a Cubs lineup that he held in check the last time he faced them, yielding just a pair of runs over seven innings of work.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Miami– Tuesday marked Marlins’ manager Ozzie Guillen’s first trip back to Chicago since leaving the White Sox for Miami after eight seasons on the South Side. He will no doubt want to leave the Windy City a winner, and Tuesday’s contest will help him achieve that.
