Chicago Cubs (42-37) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (46-33)
June 30, 2021 2:10 pm EDT
The Line: Milwaukee Brewers -155 / Chicago Cubs +130 ; Over/Under: 9
(Get latest betting odds)
The Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers meet Wednesday in MLB action from Miller Park. This will be the second installment in a three-game set between these teams. The Brewers took a 10-run win on Monday, then in the Tuesday game Milwaukee kept it up with a one-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Chicago managed a 4-4 tie heading into the bottom of the eighth on Monday, but coughed up 10 runs in a disastrous frame for a 14-4 loss. In the Tuesday game, the Cubs had six hits and a pair of errors in a 2-1 defeat. Zach Davies put up 4.0 innings with two earned on two hits and three walks.
For the starter job in the Wednesday game, the Cubs are sending out Jake Arrieta. Over his 71.0 innings this year, Arrieta has 76 hits, 48 runs (42 earned), 15 homers allowed, 30 walks, 60 strikeouts and a 5.32 ERA.
Over on the Brewers’ side, they got a nice start out of Freddy Peralta on Monday with 6.0 innings, two hits, four walks and two earned. In the Tuesday game, Milwaukee posted just two hits but that’s all they needed for the win. Brandon Woodruff managed 6.0 innings with four hits, three walks and one earned run.
For the Thursday starting pitcher job, the Brewers are calling up Aaron Ashby. This year in AAA play Ashby has struck out 56 batters in 38 innings with 24 walks.
The Cubs are 9-24 in their last 33 road games with the total set at 6.5 or lower and 7-3 in their last 10 with a total of 11.0 or higher. The under is 6-1-1 in Chicago’s last eight in game three of a series and 4-1-1 in their last six Wednesday games.
Meanwhile, the Brewers are 7-1 in their last eight in game three of a series and 16-5 in their last 21 versus a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. Milwaukee is 1-4 in their last five Wednesday games and the under is 3-0-1 in their last four Wednesday games.
PICK: I’m probably going to take a shot on the Cubs in this one. That’s contingent on Arrieta having a good outing however, and he’s been spotty about that lately. Arrieta has eight earned in eight innings in two of his last four starts. In the other two, he’s given up just three earned on nine hits in 10 innings. Arrieta has also given up four homers in his last three games, so he’s going to need to keep the ball in the park here. If he can do that, Chicago should be okay.
