Prior to Monday’s 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Chicago Cubs had totaled just 15 runs in their previous seven games but received a much-needed boost in the form of Kris Bryant, who went 2-for-3 with a walk and is now 16-for-50 with five doubles and five RBIs since coming off the disabled list on September 1. The NL rivals continue their series on Tuesday at Chase Field.
- The total has gone UNDER in four of the Cubs’ last five games vs the Diamondbacks (avg. combined score: 7.2).
- The total has gone UNDER in the Cubs’ last eight games (avg. combined score: 4.5).
- The Diamondbacks are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games at home after losing their most recent home game.
Cubs vs Diamondbacks Game Center
Andriese set to make first start for D-backs
Mike Montgomery and Matt Andriese will get the nod for the Cubs and Diamondbacks, respectively. Montgomery (4-5, 3.87 ERA) is making his career-high 17th start of the season after giving up two runs and three hits over four-plus innings in a no-decision against the Washington Nationals on Thursday. The 29-year-old began the season in the bullpen before moving into the rotation and is 4-4 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 starts. Montgomery owns a 1.69 ERA in three career meetings (one start) vs the Diamondbacks.
Andriese (3-5, 4.76) is making his first start for Arizona in place of the injured Clay Buchholz. The 29-year-old made four starts for Tampa Bay before being traded in late July to the Diamondbacks, who’ve used him exclusively as a reliever.
Trends are pointing to an UNDER tonight
According to betting trends, the UNDER might be worth a look tonight. The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the NL clubs, with an average combined score of 7.2 runs. The Cubbies have also been a red-hot UNDER bet of late, as Chicago has gone below the closing total in each of its last eight heading into this one, with an average combined score of only 4.5 runs. The UNDER is also 7-1 in Arizona’s last eight against left-handed pitchers.
Diamondbacks rarely drop two in a row at home
While D-backs bettors won’t be happy with Monday’s outcome, the good news is Arizona has a habit of bouncing back in front of its hometown fans. The Diamondbacks are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games at home after dropping the previous contest. Bettors beware, however, as the Diamondbacks are also 3-12 SU in their past 15 vs teams with winning records.
Why I’m on the UNDER in this game
Seeing Andriese get inserted is a bit of a question mark since he’s making his first start with his new team, but I’m still expecting this game to go UNDER the total. Chicago’s penchant for participating in low-scoring affairs is becoming extremely profitable, and the aforementioned 4.5-run average combined score speaks volumes.
