[8:08 PM] Indians @ Cubs

Who will WIN this matchup?

Cleveland Indians

@ Chicago Cubs

 

Starting Pitchers:

Bauer (CLE): 0-1; 5.00ERA

Lester (CHC) 2-1; 1.69 ERA

 

Last 10 Games Played:

Cleveland Indians: 6-4

Chicago Cubs: 6-3-1

 

Current odds:

Cleveland Indians: (+210)

Chicago Cubs: (-230)

 

• ESPN simulations have Cleveland as XX% favorites to win the game.

• XX% of sports bets are currently on Chicago to win as (TBD) underdogs.

• Hosting its first World Series in 71 years, Wrigley Field has become a playground for — of all teams — the Cleveland Indians, who can clinch their first World Series title since 1948 when they visit the reeling Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the Fall Classic on Sunday. After taking Game 2 in Cleveland to tie the series, the Cubs have fallen flat in two contests at the cozy confines, turning a fanbase’s long wait for October glory into a potentially devastating outcome.

• Bauer lasted just 3 2/3 innings while allowing two runs and six hits in a Game 2 loss Wednesday, giving up RBI singles to Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber. The 25-year-old Bauer has never started a game in the majors on three days of rest but he tossed seven scoreless innings in his only career outing at Wrigley Field in 2015. The bullpen will be well-rested behind him and Francona has long-relief options in Danny Salazar or Ryan Merritt if Bauer has another early exit.

• Lester gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings in the Game 1 loss but he still owns a 2.60 ERA in 124 2/3 innings in his postseason career. Napoli was 0-for-2 with a walk against Lester in Game 1 but is 6-for-17 with two homers and three free passes in his career against the southpaw, including the postseason.

• Indians LHP Andrew Miller allowed a solo homer to Cubs CF Dexter Fowler on Saturday, the only run he has allowed in 17 innings this postseason.

• Rizzo is 4-for-10 with two doubles and two RBIs in the last three games.

• Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor has recorded multiple hits in three of four games in the series.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Chicago Cubs

Confidence: 5/10

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