There looks to be value on both teams coming into September 16th Indians at Cubs betting. Oddsmakers have listed the Cubs at -105 at home and Chicago is a solid 17-12 at Wrigley Field this season. The Cubs took the series opener 6-5 which forced Cleveland to their 7th straight loss.
Cleveland isn’t a bad wager at -115 either though, Jon Lester (2-2, 5.05 ERA) starts for Chicago after having some rough outings lately. Lester was solid his last time out (0 ER, 3 hits, 6.0 IP) but that was the first time in a long time. Aaron Civale (3-5, 3.88 ERA) has had some issues for Cleveland as of late too which makes Wednesday’s total of 8.5 seem low.
Cleveland Trying to Snap Skid
The Indians had their chances on Tuesday night, scoring two runs in the top of the 9th before walking in the winning run in the bottom of the frame. It was a big evening for Francisco Lindor who was 3-4 with a HR and 4 RBI, but still a loss for the 7th straight time for Cleveland.
One thing Cleveland can build on ahead of September 16th Indians at Cubs betting is that they managed 9-hits off Cy Young candidate Yu Darvish in the series opener. The Indians offense looks to be coming around a bit with 14 runs their last three games after plating just three total in the three games prior. Franmil Reyes is 5-7 (.714) off Lester and Lindor is 4-11 with a HR off the Cubs starter in his career.
Aaron Civale will try to limit a Cubs team that is on a 3-game winning streak coming into the second game of a series. Civale has had a hard time stopping opponents as of late, going 6.0 innings in four straight starts but has allowed 14 ER over that span. The one positive for Civale is that only one Cubs batter, Cameron Maybin, has ever faced the Cleveland starter.
All Eyes on Lester
Jon Lester made some mechanics adjustments prior to his last start and wound up throwing 6.0 innings of 3-hit, shutout ball against Milwaukee. It would be in his best interest to stick with those changes as Lester had allowed 5+ ER in four of five starts prior. Lester has held Cleveland to a .232 collective BA however.
The top of the lineup delivered for Chicago on Tuesday as Ian Happ, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Willson Contreras combined to go 8-15. Javier Baez also added a HR after being moved down to the 6th spot in the order so the Cubs bring a pretty potent lineup into their matchup with Civale. Chicago scored 12 runs on Sunday in their series finale vs. Milwaukee.
September 16th Indians at Cubs Betting Free Pick
Lester is a wild card in this matchup. Is he the pitcher who shut down Milwaukee last time out or the one who allowed 24 runs in five starts prior? Civale hasn’t exactly excelled either and when you combine that with the success the Cubs offense has had lately this one looks higher scoring.
Free Pick: Over 8.5
