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Chicago stayed hot last weekend, outscoring Cincinnati 38-14
while taking three of four from the Reds. The Brewers haven’t
gotten much out of their starting pitchers, but the lone
exception has been right-hander Jimmy Nelson, who takes the
mound in the opener. He will have to contend with the
highest-scoring team in the majors, as the Cubs average 6.3 runs
and have scored eight or more seven times. Nelson might not get
much support, either, as Milwaukee’s active roster is a combined
7-for-50 with no extra-base hits and 14 strikeouts against Cubs
starter Kyle Hendricks.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (3-1, 3.46 ERA) vs.
Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (1-2, 4.00)
Nelson has gone at least six innings in all four of his starts
this season, allowing two earned runs in three of them. He had a
bit of a rough time last time out against Minnesota, allowing
four runs and 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings while giving up two
long balls – his fifth and sixth of the season. Nelson has made
five starts and two relief appearances against the Cubs, going
0-3 with a 3.60 ERA.
Hendricks was tagged for four early runs in his last start at
St. Louis and suffered his second straight loss. The 26-year-old
settled down after allowing four runs in the first two innings
but failed to record a quality start for the first time in three
outings this season. Hendricks is 4-1 with a 1.45 ERA in six
career starts against the Brewers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo, who has five homers in his past five
games, is 4-for-13 with a double, a triple and a homer against
Nelson.
2. Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy is batting .323 during an
eight-game hitting streak, but he’s 1-for-7 versus Hendricks.
3. Chicago RF Jason Heyward is 10-for-20 over his past five
games, raising his average 90 points to .260.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Brewers 3
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