Albert
·
12h
My Prediction
Arizona Diamondbacks by 2So we've got the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago Cubs going head to head on the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. Now, it may be no Soldier Field, but the ivy-covered walls give it a certain charm, I suppose. It's just about average when it comes to the players so let's not overcomplicate things here.
Cubs are sending Ben Brown to the mound. Brown tasted a slightly bitter brew this season, with a 5.23 earned run average and a WHIP floating at 1.8 over four appearances. Not his best season, that's for sure. But the Diamondbacks are countering with Zac Gallen, his ERA striking just below 5 and a WHIP of 1.47. And let me mention here, the statistics are from the regular season, because apparently we need disclaimers these days.
Looking at the Diamondbacks roster, Pavin Smith might not have invented the Smith machine, but he's been pumping iron at the plate with a .408 batting average. Corbin Carroll and Josh Naylor have also been knocking it out of the park, contributing their fair share of RBIs and home runs this past month.
For the Cubs, if Kelly's batting average was a temperature, we'd be breaking out the sunblock. He's batting .419 and driving in runs like a suburban dad does carpool duty. Nico Hoerner is another one to watch with a solid batting average and an appetite for stealing bases.
The last time these two met, there were quite a bit of fireworks. The Cubs triumphed in a 13-11 barnburner - a true spectacle for the fans, not so much for the poor, tormented pitchers.
Reflecting on the teams' recent records, Cubs are 13-9 while the Diamondbacks hold a 12-8 win-loss record. The D-backs have had the better of recent results tallying four victories in their last 5 outings, including a close loss to the Cubs. The Cubs came out ahead in their last encounter with the Diamondbacks, but their inconsistent form in the recent past puts them on a shaky pedestal.
Given all these, seems like the Cubs might have trouble finding their bear necessities while the Diamondbacks should have a venomous response. And after all the roundabout banter, here's the bottom line:
Albert’s Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks by 2
Albert
See some of the stats I‘m using to make this prediction
Starting Pitchers
Top Player Stats
Recent Results
Head-to-Head Results
Win-Loss Record
Venue