The Cubs magic number to clinch the NL Central is down to 8 games and they’d love nothing more than to put a good dent in that amount with a sweep at the White Sox this weekend. Oddsmakers have set Joe Maddon’s team as significant -225 favorites today but is there value for the White Sox as the Pale Hose gear up for what is their World Series in the September 21st MLB free pick?
Can the Cubs Get Back In the Groove Today?
Yesterday was a unique one for Cubs players as they wrapped up their 1st scheduled off day after playing 30 games in 30 days. Chicago was obviously looking forward to the vacation as they dropped the series finale in Arizona 0-9 on Wednesday night. The big question is how the team will fire things back up after their day off? Granted, the road trip today is only 10 miles to the South Side which should be beneficial to Cubs batters. Speaking of Chicago hitters, they’ve gone into a bit of a funk as Ben Zobrist and Daniel Murphy are the only everyday batters hitting above .265 over the past week. Chicago has scored 1 run or been shut out in 4 of their last 8 games which means the total of 9 for today has a good chance of going ‘under.’
Today’s Chicago starter Jose Quintana (13-10, 3.95 ERA) is definitely comfortable with the confines of Guaranteed Rate Field as he makes his 83rd career start there in the September 21st MLB free pick. Quintana can pick up his career high 14th win against his former team the White Sox today, although he’s only faced two current Chicago players. The lefty has put together a nice little run with 2ER or less allowed in 6 straight games.
White Sox Look For Another Big Payout
Chicago backers were loving the White Sox yesterday as they scored a 5-4 win over Cleveland as whopping +202 underdogs. The Sox look to offer another lucrative ROI today as oddsmakers have placed them as +180 home ‘dogs vs. their crosstown rivals. Rick Renteria’s team definitely has the pitching to get the W today as Reynaldo Lopez (6-9, 4.05 ERA) has a 0.45 ERA through the month of September. He’s allowed just 2ER in his last 4 starts (27.0 IP) including two straight shutouts. Lopez has never faced anybody on the Cubs roster which gives him an edge in the September 21st MLB free pick.
Will the White Sox offense help contribute to a low scoring game today? Yoan Moncada would definitely contribute that answer to a ‘yes’ as he’s gone 10 for his last 27 (.370). Chicago is getting some good power numbers too as Daniel Palka and Omar Narvaez have hit 7HR in their last 34 combined AB’s. Chicago belted out 11 hits yesterday so can they keep that mojo moving?
September 21st MLB Free Pick Betting
Are the Cubs going to be refreshed after yesterday’s off day or sluggish? The Cubs have won 5 of the last 6 vs. the White Sox but there’s no value in the -225 line considering they have lost 4 of the last 5 that Quintana has started on the road. There’s two solid pitchers on the mound today, but also an insane 22 mph blowing out to center. A bet on the ‘over’ is a bet solely on the weather with the way these two hurlers have thrown. Wind gusts can change however, making solid pitching the play.
MLB Free Pick: Chicago Cubs / Chicago White Sox *Under* 9
