We’ve got a really packed schedule today, as there are 17 games on the betting board with two doubleheaders, including a big one between the Braves and Mets at Citi Field. The Angels and Mariners will also play a twin bill in Seattle. This is our final Saturday without football until 2023, as we’ll have some NFL preseason the next two weeks, followed by the start of the college football season.
I know we’re all itching for football, but we’ve still got plenty of baseball in the meantime. Remember, no article tomorrow, but I’ll be on and reunited with Ben Wilson from 8-10 p.m. ET.
Marlins/Cubs: Willson Contreras was inexplicably not traded by Chicago and hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth to propel the Cubs to a 2-1 dub. Justin Steele only made it through 4.2 innings, but that’s because he struck out 10 of the 14 outs he collected, which ran his pitch count up quickly. The Cubs struggled badly against prospect Edward Cabrera for five innings. There wasn’t a lot of contact on the North Side yesterday and Chicago only had three hard-hit balls, but the biggest one of the game.
Nationals/Phillies: The Nationals lost in uncompetitive fashion with a 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Phillies. Josiah Gray gave up six runs on five hits, including four home runs, and now has an ERA of 4.92. I’ve mentioned all the steam on Gray in his starts and, frankly, I don’t get it. He’s had flashes, but he also has a 5.72 FIP with all the homers. There won’t be much equity in fading Washington, but I don’t really see a reason to ever bet on them.