The Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies meet Friday in MLB action from Citizens Bank Park. The Cubs are coming off a series versus the Astros this week, losing all three games. As for the Phillies, they lost in a three-game sweep to the Giants in their last series. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have had a tough time finding wins lately and they’re sitting on a five-game losing streak right now. Chicago fell to the Astros 6-4, 7-3 and 7-6 in their last series. Finale starter Drew Smyly put up 6.0 innings with one earned on four hits alongside eight Ks.
As starter for the Friday matchup it’ll be Marcus Stroman. This year Stroman is 2-4 with a 3.24 ERA and 47 Ks in 50.0 innings over nine starts. Stroman is 69-71 with a 3.60 eRA in 213 career games (207 starts).
Philadelphia Phillies
Over on the Phillies’ side, they lost to the Giants 6-3, 4-3 and 7-4 this week and are now sitting on a four-game losing streak themselves. Philly’s Taijuan Walker lasted just 0.2 innings in the finale, giving up four earned on four hits and two walks.
Ranger Suarez will make the start for the Phillies on Friday. In his lone start this year Suarez went 4.0 innings with four Ks, seven hits, one walk and three earned. He’s 25-15 with a 3.16 career ERA in 113 games (45 starts).
The Cubs are 4-0 in their last four after an off day and 17-4 in their last 21 Friday games. Chicago is 3-7 in their last 10 versus the NL East.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are 36-16 in their last 52 Friday games and 39-18 in their last 57 at home. Philly is 18-8 in their last 26 versus the NL Central.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to take a stab on the Cubs. Probably not touching it, though; neither of these teams is playing well lately. Stroman is going to need a bounce-back effort as well. He gave up six earned on seven hits and two walks in 2.2 innings versus Minnesota in his last start. Stroman had a run of 12.0 innings with three earned on nine hits and four walks prior to that, however. By the time he leaves the game, Stroman should have the Cubs in good shape here. The bullpen will need to step up and deliver the win, though.