MLB Baseball
2011-07-22 - Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Baseball : North America : MLB
Friday, July 22nd, 2011, 2:20PM US
(7:20PM GMT)
PREVIEW
The Astros won consecutive games for the first time in over a month and are now in Chicago to play a 3 game series against the Cubs. Should be interesting as these two own the worst records in the MLB.
The Houston Astros own the worst record in the league and will start right-handed Bud Norris with hopes of improving that stat. Norris is 5-6 with a 3.59ERA so far and comes in having allowed 4 runs in under 6 innings in his last start, against the Pittsburgh Pirates almost a week ago. Norris is currently on a 2-2 run in recent games, including a no decision in that last start.
The Chicago Cubs has lost 4 of 6 this season against the Houston Astros, including getting swept in a 3 game series in Houston at the end of May. They will send out Carlos Zambrano to earn them a win in Game 1 of this series.
Zambrano is 6-5 with a 4.78ERA, having allowed 8 runs in under 5 innings against Florida in his last start. Zambrano has a good 15-8 record against Houston in his career but as there are variables there in terms of his own teams offence and the other pitcher I will draw attention to the 2.72ERA in 212 innings against Houston. That's impressive.
This season, Zambrano is 1-0 against the Astros, with a no decision in a game where he pitched excellently, allowing just 1 earned run in 8 innings.
The Cubs have been rather good offensively of late but their team ERA has been awful and they have made more mistakes in the field and on the mound than any other team, including a run of 9 games in a row! I see that changing this afternoon as Zambrano keeps the Houston bats in check, leaving the Cubs to win it with their bats against Norris. Keep an eye on Aramis Ramirez who is batting .349 with 7 homers this month. He might do some damage.
TEAM STATS
Houston Astros
Overall 33-65, Streak W2
Chicago Cubs
Overall 39-60, Streak L2
BETTING VERDICT
Take Chicago to win today.
The Pick :
Chicago Cubs
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take the Chicago Cubs to win @ 1.68 (Pinnacle)
