The Chicago Cubs (16-16) host the Miami Marlins (16-17) at Wrigley Field on Saturday. The Cubs took Friday’s series opener 4-1, their first head-to-head victory in four games this season.
Justin Steele went seven innings for the win, allowing one run on six hits, and Mark Leiter Jr. picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.
Ian Happ’s on-base streak is up to 13 games as he went 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Jon Berti was 2 for 4 with one run for the Marlins.
ON THE MOUND
Bryan Hoeing (0-1, 6.23 ERA) is slated to get the start for Miami. The righty gets the Cubs for the second straight start. On Sunday, he allowed two runs over five innings, a 4-3 road win. He gave up five hits while striking out four and walking one in the no-decision.
For Chicago, southpaw Drew Smyly (3-1, 2.83 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Marlins. Smyly made one start against the Marlins in 2022, throwing 6.2 innings in a 4-0 home win on August 6.
He gave up five hits and walked one, while striking out four in the win. In his last start on Monday, Smyly got the win on the road against the Nationals. He threw seven innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out two, in the 5-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Miami has averaged 2.8 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.3. Against lefties like Smyly this season, the Fish have a .788 OPS. Jorge Soler is the team’s strongest hitter against left-handers with a 1.481 OPS in 22 at-bats.
Chicago is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.0 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.232/.296/.360). The Cubs have a .761 OPS against righties in 2023. With a 1.074 OPS over 77 at-bats, Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Miami is 6-8 on the road in 2023, scoring 3.8 runs per game while allowing 5.6 runs. Chicago has gone 9-8 at Wrigley Field this season, averaging 4.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.1.
In the last 10 games at Wrigley Field between the teams, each club has won five, though Miami has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.4-2.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Marlins are second in the NL East, six games behind the division-leading Braves. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, four games behind the Pirates.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago Cubs (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
