The Cubs seem to have exorcised their road demons – at least temporarily – after a sweep of the Mets at Citi Field. Chicago is back in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field for the August 30th MLB betting free pick as they host division foe Milwaukee. The Brewers are slumping a bit and have dipped to just an 11% chance to make the postseason. A big weekend in the Windy City can turn Milwaukee’s fortunes around though but they’ll have to overcome the Cubs being a -152 favorite on Friday (MIL +125).
Can Streaky Brewers Get it Together Friday?
The up and down season for the Brewers continues as they have posted a 3-game losing streak followed by a 3-game win streak and then another 3 game losing streak in 9 of their last 10 games. If that trend continues, it’s looking good for Milwaukee on Friday as they posted a 4-1 win over the Cardinals the last time out. The Brewers also had Thursday off while Chicago was playing in New York so the bullpen should be rested. Milwaukee is 29-36 going away this season and have dropped 5 in a row at Wrigley Field.
The Brewers send Chase Anderson to the hill on Friday afternoon as he tries to gain some consistency. Anderson was rocked for 10 runs while recording just 7 outs August 18th at Washington. He followed that up with a strong performance last time out though, holding Arizona to 3 hits and 0 ER at Miller Park. Anderson has a 5.40 ERA on the road this season (3.63 at home) but held Chicago to 3 runs over 8 innings in his only outing against them on July 27th.
Cubs Try to Continue Mastery at Home
Despite getting three solid road wins in New York, the Cubs are happy to be back home where they have gone 40-19 in their last 59 games. That being said, Chicago was swept by Washington in their last series at Wrigley. The Cubs have taken 4 in a row over Milwaukee though and are getting some timely hitting from Victor Caratini who has gone 9 for his last 18 with 3 HR. Chicago was nearly no-hit the last time they faced Anderson and are just 9-60 (.150) as a team vs. the Brewers starter.
Jose Quintana takes the mound in the August 30th MLB betting free pick with the wind blowing in from left at 8 MPH. Quintana is looking for a bounce back game after taking his first loss since June 22nd last time out vs. Washington. Prior to that game, the lefty had gone 4 straight starts holding opponents to 2 ER or less including a 14 K outing vs. the Phillies on August 13th. Quintana made back-to-back starts vs. the Brewers at the end of July, allowing 3ER in 4.2 IP followed by surrendering 2ER in 6.0 IP in two Cubs wins.
Top Trends:
- Brewers are 3-8 last 11 following an off day
- Brewers are 1-4 in Anderson’s last 5 road starts
- Cubs are 8-3 last 11 overall
- Cubs are 40-19 last 59 home games
- Cubs are 8-2 in Quintana’s last 10 starts
- Brewers are 0-5 last 5 in Chicago
August 30th MLB Free Pick:
The Cubs are in a must-win situation as they trail the Cardinals by 1.5 games in the division. Chicago has struggled vs. Anderson, but have been very solid at Wrigley Field. The Brewers are in and out of a rut right now and Chicago has the momentum of finally winning a road series and should be good to go on a beautiful afternoon at Wrigley.
Pick: Cubs RL -1.5 (+140)
