Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Philadelphia Phillies 9/28/22

Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Philadelphia Phillies 9/28/22
Wed 28th September 2022

The strikeout-prone Chicago Cubs (68-86) will have their work cut out for them at Wrigley Field on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies (83-70) and Aaron Nola, owner of one of this season’s best K/9 rates,. The Cubs took Tuesday’s series opener 2-1, their fourth straight head-to-head victory, including all four games this season. Starter Marcus Stroman went seven innings for the win, allowing one run on four hits, and Manuel Rodriguez picked up his third save with a scoreless ninth. Yan Gomes went 2 for 3 with a double and one RBI in the win. Christopher Morel added a solo home run. Bryce Harper was 2 for 4 with a double and one RBI for the Phillies.

ON THE MOUND

Nola (10-12, 3.28 ERA) is set for the start for Philadelphia. The RHP ranks third in the NL in strikeouts (218). Nola threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 9-1 road win over the Braves on Friday. He earned the win, scattering four hits while striking out eight and walking three. Nola is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. Nola made one start against the Cubs in 2021, a 15-10 road victory on July 6. He surrendered four runs on six hits over six innings, striking out eight and walking one. For Chicago, right-hander Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 2.45 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Phillies. In his last start on Thursday, Wesneski got the win on the road against the Pirates. He threw 6.1 innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out six and walking two in the 3-2 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Philadelphia has averaged 4.2 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.7. Against righties like Wesneski this season, the Phils have a .732 OPS. Kyle Schwarber is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .865 OPS in 357 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 3.8 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.0 for the season. The Cubs have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .782 OPS over 422 at-bats, Ian Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Philadelphia is on a five-game losing streak away from Citizens Bank Park, bringing their record to 36-36 in 2022. The Phils have scored 4.4 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.3 runs. Chicago has gone 32-44 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 games between the teams at Wrigley Field, each club has won five, though Philadelphia has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 6.3-4.9.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Phillies are third in the NL East, 13 games behind the division-leading Mets. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting third with a magic number of zero. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, 21 games behind the Cardinals.

SportsTips’ MLB Pick:

Philadelphia Phillies (-185)

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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.

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