The Seattle Mariners make a rare visit to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs in a nationally televised game on ESPN. The Cubs have a seven game lead in the National League Central, while the Mariners need to pick things up and trail the Rangers by six games in the American League West.
Chicago got off to a wicked hot start to the year, then suddenly went cold in July and now are fighting their way out of the slump that saw them lose 15 of 21 games. The recent acquisition of closer Aroldis Chapman should shore up the bullpen and make the Cubs the team to beat in the National League.
ODDS ANALYSIS/INFO
Seattle is 51-48 on the year and 26-25 on the road. They trail the first place Rangers by six games in the American League West and are four games out in the Wild Card race.
The Chicago Cubs have the best record in all of baseball with a record of 59-40. Even more impressive is their home record which is also the best in baseball at 30-16.
This is the first meeting between the two teams in 2016.
TV Coverage: ESPN at 8:05 p.m., ET
PROBABLE PITCHERS
Felix Hernandez is back pitching after a stint on the DL and earned a win Tuesday against the Pirates, allowing four runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out three. Hernandez allowed four runs in the first two innings, but eventually settled down and showed that he still is an ace. He quieted the Pirates the rest of the way to get the win. Giving up nine hits with only three strikeouts isn't exactly dominant numbers, Hernandez was able to work six innings for the second consecutive start since returning from a calf injury.
Kyle Hendricks is often times overlooked on the Cubs with Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester getting all the attention, but he has impressed for much of the year, eating up innings and collecting wins. The right-hander is 9-7 on the year with an impressive 2.39 ERA. Hendricks allowed three runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over 5.2 innings in a loss Tuesday to the White Sox and will look to rebound against the Mariners.
Hendricks hadn't allowed an earned run since June 29th, but had his scoreless streak snapped when Jose Abreu hit an RBI single in the first inning. Still he had good stuff, striking out 14 White Sox batters.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYER
Robinson Cano - 2B
After struggling a year ago, Cano is back performing like an All Star. The 12 year veteran is batting .303 and has 22 home runs. He’s also flashing gold glove-like defense and has the Mariners in the Wild Card race. Cano is on his way to driving in 100 runs, scoring 100 runs and batting over .300.
THE PICK
Felix Hernandez is making his third start since coming off the DL and if the first two starts are any indication, it could be a long night for the veteran right-hander. He can’t afford to give up four or five runs like he did in his first two starts. The Cubs are money at home in 2016, winning 30 and losing just 16 ballgames. The Cubs get to Hernandez early and improve to 31-16 at home. Cubs win!
MLB ODDS: Chicago Cubs 5, Seattle Mariners 3
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. First pitch for the game between the Seattle Mariners at Chicago Cubs is scheduled for Sunday, July 31, 2016 at Wrigley Field. ESPN will televise the game live at 8:05 p.m., ET.
