Today’s matchup is between the Cardinals (32-31) and the Cubs (36-27). In the last 10 games, the Cardinals are (2-8) while the Cubs are (6-4).
STARTING PITCHING:
The Cardinals are starting Gant, John RHP, who is (4-3) on the season pitching a 2.63 ERA, 4.57 FIP, .366 OBP, .322 wOBA, .337 SLG, .702 OPS, K% of 16.7%, BB% of 15%, 90.9 MPH average exit velocity, and a 1.61 WHIP in 54.2 innings pitched.
The Cubs are starting Hendricks, Kyle RHP, who is (7-4) on the season pitching a 4.59 ERA, 5.50 FIP, .331 OBP, .368 wOBA, .532 SLG, .863 OPS, K% of 18.5%, BB% of 4.6%, 87.9 MPH average exit velocity, and a 1.42 WHIP in 68.2 innings pitched.
EDGE - DRAW Both Bad surprised they are over .500 record
RELIEF PITCHING:
The Cardinals are 15th in the Majors in Relieving Pitching. They have a 4.42 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 5.03 xFIP, K% of 22.8%, BB% of 14.1%, and a 1.45 WHIP.
The Cubs are 4th in the Majors in Relieving Pitching. They have a 2.65 ERA, 3.50 FIP, 3.77 xFIP, K% of 29.3%, BB% of 11.7%, and a 1.20 WHIP.
EDGE - CUBS
HITTING:
The Cardinals have a .302 wOBA, .304 OBP, .392 SLG, .696 OPS, 93 wRC+, & 72 HRs.
The Cubs have a .314 wOBA, .312 OBP, .409 SLG, .721 OPS, 99 wRC+, & 82 HRs.
EDGE: CUBS
BALLPARK FACTORS:
The game is being played at Wrigley Field which has the 17 ranked Park Factor in the Majors. Where 100 is the league average this park has:
Park Factor 98, Runs Scored 96, OBP 99, 2B 91, 3B 173, HRs 92, & SO 101.
BREAKDOWN:
This is a game where both starting pitchers are extremely lucky to both be over .500 pitchers as their stat lines aren't impressive at all. The Cubs have more hitting power on top of better relieving so although I'm not sold on Kyle Hendricks by any means I think he gets the job done in a win for the Cubs!
