Free Daily Lock Pick: NCAAF: Nebraska vs. Minnesota – August 31st – (100% Confidence Release)
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The Chicago Cubs (71-62, 68-65 RL, 69-60-4 O/U) battle the Cincinnati Reds (69-66, 84-51 RL, 66-69 O/U) in the opening bout of a doubleheader on Friday afternoon. The Cubs will have rookie Jordan Wicks on the mound. The Reds will reply with Graham Ashcraft. The Reds lead the season series by a 5-4 mark.
Jordan Wicks is expected to start the opening game of the DH. Wicks was stellar in his MLB debut last Saturday, limiting the Pirates to only one run on two hits in five innings, and stuck out nine batters in a 10-6 win. The rookie is the Cubs #10 prospect. He posted strong numbers in the minor leagues, recording a 3.55 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP accompanied by a 7-0 record in 91.1 innings pitched. Wicks has a 3.73 ERA in his minor league career.
Chicago heads on the road where they are thriving, winning three consecutive series. The Cubs won two of three home meetings against the Brewers this week, holding the rivals to only eight runs. Every game is huge at this point considering they stand in the second wildcard spot with several teams just behind. The Cubs are 8-2 in their last ten bouts.
Cubs take the lead! pic.twitter.com/fUPZhc OSTo
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 30, 2023
Cody Bellinger continues to dazzle, accumulating nine RBIs in his last five games. The 28-year-old slugger is having a spectacular year, clubbing 20 homers with 77 RBIs and an .897 OPS. Bellinger has exploited the Reds pitching, collecting nine RBIs and 1.06 OPS.
Chicago is scoring an average of 5.02 runs, ranking them sixth. The pitching staff is carrying a 4.11 team ERA, placing them 15th.
Free Daily Lock Pick: NCAAF: Nebraska vs. Minnesota – August 31st – (100% Confidence Release) Click to see the pick now