Chicago Cubs (78-69) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (76-72)
Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 9/16/23 – As the MLB season approaches its final stretch, playoff implications are high for every game, and tonight’s match-up between the Chicago Cubs (78-69) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (76-72) is no different. Both teams are hovering around postseason contention, and a win tonight at Chase Field could prove crucial. The first pitch is slated for 8:10 PM ET, and you can catch all the action on ARID.
The Cubs hold a 78-69 record, signifying their above-average performance this season. Their batting average is a robust .254, with 737 runs scored and 175 home runs. The on-base percentage stands at .329, with a slugging percentage of .419. On the pitching side, they maintain a decent ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.27. However, their recent form has been worrying, showing a 2-5 record in their last seven games.
The Diamondbacks have not fallen far behind with a 76-72 record, featuring an overall batting average of just.251 with 679 runs scored so far and 157 homers hit this season. Their on-base percentage stands at an acceptable .322 while slugging percentage stands at an unfavorable .413. However, their pitching statistics may cause concern with an ERA of 4.62 and WHIP of 1.34 as well as poor form recently with only four wins over their last five contests. If you’re looking for some insights and recommendations on their upcoming games, don’t forget to check out some free MLB picks.
Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Chase Field |
| TV: | ARID |
| Stream | MLB.TV |
Kyle Hendricks (6-7, 3.71 ERA) vs. Zach Davies (2-5, 6.81 ERA)
Kyle Hendricks has proven a steady force for the Cubs this season as an experienced right-handed pitcher. Although his win/loss record may not show it, Hendricks boasts an impressive 3.71 ERA — well below the league average and evidence of his ability to limit damage when it matters most. He has amassed 121.1 innings so far this season, showing his durability and ability to last deep into games, sparing the bullpen from additional work. Furthermore, his Walks + Hits per Innings Pitched ratio stands at an impressive 1.15; this indicates his effectiveness at keeping base runners under control and thus creating less opportunities for scoring against him. Hendricks is an impressive control artist, having issued just 21 walks this season and striking out 83 batters; while allowing just 13 home runs – an indication of his ability to keep the ball within the park.
Zach Davies has had a much more difficult season. With just 2 wins on his record and an inflated ERA (6.61) and 1.61 WHIP figure (allowing too many base runners via hits or walks), Davies has faced numerous setbacks this year. He has only managed to pitch 75.1 innings, which indicates frequent early exits or missed starts – both unfavorable outcomes for any pitcher. Furthermore, the 36 walks he issued (compared with Hendricks’ 21) demonstrate control issues that have plagued him throughout the season. While he racked up 64 strikeouts overall, his high number of walks put him into high-stress situations more frequently and increased their likelihood of giving up runs; additionally he allowed 9 homers during those limited innings pitched.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Chicago Cubs -111, Total Odds: 9
According to the betting odds, the Cubs are favored with a spread of -1.5 at +140 and a moneyline of -111. The over/under total is set at 9, with the over at +100. For the Diamondbacks, the spread is +1.5 at -160 and a moneyline of +101. The under for total runs is set at -120.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
Chicago is currently struggling to provide bettors with comforting results, posting just 2-5 in their last seven games overall and just 2-6 when facing Arizona – both records being under 5 wins SU for those betting them SU. Furthermore, eight of those eight total UNDER games came on the road and six of those seven overall were underdog games; additionally they’re just 2-4 SU when acting as favorites recently.
Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Trends
Arizona has its own share of problems, as evidenced by their record of going 1-4 SU in their last five games overall. Yet they boast an impressive 10-4 record at home since playing against the Cubs; five out of six of their meetings went under and they are 4-1 when facing opponents from the National League Central Division.
Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 9/16/23 Betting Picks
Upon analyzing team trends, stats, and starting pitchers, the pick here leans towards the Chicago Cubs. Despite the Cubs’ recent shaky form, the significant advantage in starting pitching cannot be ignored. Kyle Hendricks, with his sub-4 ERA and low WHIP, is far more reliable than Zach Davies, who has been struggling all season.
Moreover, both teams have trends that favor a low-scoring game. The Cubs have seen the total go UNDER in eight of their last eight games, and the Diamondbacks also show a strong trend towards the UNDER in recent matchups against the Cubs. For more insights and potential betting opportunities, you can also explore some free 2023 sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Chicago Cubs will win 4-2