The Chicago Cubs (15-15 SU, -1.88 Units) have dropped seven of their last nine games after a great start to the season, and they could be up against it on Tuesday against the red hot New York Mets (20-11 SU, +9.65 Units).
ODDS ANALYSIS
It's always tough to line games when you're talking about a man who has never pitched in the bigs before, but don't be stunned if Noah Syndergaard is a favorite, even on the road at Wrigley in his first professional start.
The Mets though, have been anything but excellent on the road, going just 7-8 on the season, and they’re actually down -0.35 units to show for those first 15 games outside of Citi Field.
PITCHING MATCHUP
All eyes are going to be on Syndergaard in this one. Dillon Gee went on the disabled list, and for all intents and purposes, that might be the end of his time as a starter for the Metropolitans if Syndergaard can stick.
The big, hulking righty has a 1.82 ERA this season in Triple-A Las Vegas, a place where pitchers generally end up getting shelled thanks to the altitude and short fences. He has also struck out 34 men against just eight walks in 29.2 innings of work.
Let's not forget that there is another man on the mound, though. Jake Arrieta has been nothing spectacular this season for the Cubs, but he has at least been suitable every time out. He hasn't allowed more than four earned runs in a game this year, and for the most part, Chicago has been in every game he’s started.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"There's a lot he has to get ready for, and I think the extra days will help. Kind of get a feel for how we prepare, but the (distractions) are going to be big. He's got to just get it out of the way and get ready to pitch on Tuesday." – Mets manager Terry Collins on what Syndergaard faces in his first big league appearance on Tuesday
SITUATIONAL BETTING
The New York bullpen could be called into action on Tuesday with Syndergaard expected to be on a pitch count. This unit has only walked 24 batters all season long, the lowest mark in the majors by any pen, and batters are only hitting .178 against this unit.
PROP TALK
Kris Bryant blasted his first big league homer last week, and he could be in for more in this one, especially if the wind isn't blowing in at Wrigley. His slugging numbers aren't improving, but the fact of the matter is that when he makes contact with the ball, he's hitting it really hard right now. Bryant should get plenty of opportunities to make contact with the ball on this night.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The hype for Syndergaard is probably legitimate, but until we see it, we don't believe it.
We know that Arrieta is a proven commodity, and he should once again keep the Cubbies in line for at least a shot at victory.
If the hosts are the underdogs in this game, we absolutely can't pass on them, even in their current suspect form.
Chicago 5, New York 4
The baseball betting odds for this Tuesday game will first be available at BookMaker Sportsbook. BookMaker is going to have multiple betting options available for this televised baseball matchup. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, individual inning run totals and next hitter results. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs will start at 8:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. You can watch the contest live on the MLB Network.
