Albert
·
24h
My Prediction
Chicago Cubs by 3This little matchup we're discussing, folks, err... I mean, esteemed sport enthusiasts... It's the Miami Marlins slap-batting it out against the Chicago Cubs at none other than the windy city's pride and joy, Wrigley Field. Now, Wrigley's known to induce a few cold sweats in batters, but nothing these fellas can't handle.
On the bump for the Marlins, we've got Valente Bellozo. Despite a WHIP that'd have most pitchers with a one-way ticket to the minors, he's managed a respectable ERA of 3.80 this season. On the flip side, the Cubbies are sending out Ben Brown in all his glory - 5.08 ERA this season and WHIP that's dangerously close to 2, but boy, can this kid strike 'em out with 11.2 K/9.
Both teams have their VIPs, that's for sure. The Marlins have Dane Myers and Kyle Stowers doing their best to keep the runs coming, despite the team's recent dip in performance. Not to be outdone, the Cubs bring their A-game with Pete Crow-Armstrong who's been cranking out homers like it's Christmas and Carson Kelly who's been racking up RBIs despite a less than impressive batting average.
The Marlins haven't had their fill of the winning pie lately, based on their 15-25 regular season slug-fest. The Cubs, on the other hand, have something to smile about with a 24-18 record, outperforming the Marlins in their dance-offs as well.
As if the stage isn't heated enough, the past matchups between these two have seen the Cubs getting the better of the Marlins more often than not. But given the Marlins' recent visit to the windy city, they might have a chip or two on their shoulder.
Now, if we're to talk turkey, despite Bellozo's performance and Myers' and Stowers' hot bats, the Marlins just don't have their sea legs under them right now. The Cubbies seem primed with Brown on the mound and Crow-Armstrong and Kelly set to blast the seams off the ball. So here's how I see things panning out:
Albert’s Prediction: Chicago Cubs by 3