Cleveland Indians (39-30) vs. Chicago Cubs (40-32)
June 21, 2021 8:05 pm EDT
The Line: Chicago Cubs -150 / Cleveland Indians +139; Over/Under: -10.5
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The Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs meet Monday in MLB action from Wrigley Field. The Indians are coming off a weekend set versus the Pirates. After losing the first two matchups, on Sunday Cleveland eked out a one-run victory. As for the Cubs, they played the Marlins over the weekend. Chicago also fell in their first two games, then on Sunday the Cubs managed a two-run win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Cleveland had a tough time with the Pirates over the weekend, falling 11-10 on Friday and 6-3 in the Saturday game. On Sunday, the Indians could only find a quartet of team hits but still got the win 2-1. Sam Hentges put up 5.0 innings with no earned on two hits.
For the starter job in the Monday game, the Indians are sending out Aaron Civale. Over his 93.0 innings of work this year, Civale has 78 hits, 37 runs (36 earned), 14 homers allowed, 21 walks, 71 Ks and a 3.48 ERA.
Over on the Cubs’ side, they got clobbered by the Marlins in their first two games, falling 10-2 Friday and 11-1 on Saturday. In the Sunday game Chicago notched just four hits but that was enough for a 2-0 shutout win. Alec Mills lasted 5.0 innings with no earned on six hits.
For the Monday starting pitcher role, the Cubs are going with Adbert Alzolay. Over his 57.2 innings of work so far this year Alzolay has 44 hits, 26 earned runs, 10 homers, 16 walks, 62 Ks and a 4.06 ERA.
The Indians are 5-2 in their last seven Monday games and 9-4 in their last 13 versus a team with a winning record. The over is 18-7-2 in the Indians’ last 27 overall and 7-3 in their last 10 in game one of a series.
Meanwhile, the Cubs are 13-5 in their last 18 Monday games and 35-17 in their last 52 in game one of a series. The over is 4-1 in Chicago’s last five in game one of a series and 19-9-1 in their last 29 versus a right-handed starter.
PICK: I’m going to take the Indians, but probably staying away. Civale has been quite spotty lately, and has given up four or more earned in three of his last four starts. The good news however is that Civale has gone at least 6.0 innings in seven of his last eight outings. The Indians are going to need some mileage out of him with their rotation banged up. If Civale can come out firing here I think Cleveland will be in good shape.
