4* MLB POD - Cubs vs. Pirates - 8:10 pm **9-4 on MLB POD's T

[Pick Bot]

Cubs +107 4* MLB POD (Cole/Hendricks)

I'm going to back the Cubs as they go for the sweep of the Pirates. On paper it looks like the Pirates have a good chance to win game 3 here, because Hendricks numbers are not very impressive from an ERA perspective over 5, but when you really look at it Hendricks has a 1.09 ERA his 49.3% left on base % is extremely unlucky. He also had to face two of the best hitting teams in his 3 starts in the Padres and the Rockies (on the road). He's back at home with an extra day of rest compared with his opponent who is on 4 days rest and on the road which is really like 3.5 days. Hendricks pitched well enough vs. the Pirates to get a win, but was a little unlucky and I bet that changes here at home. Pittsburgh is 25th in OPS vs. RHP and are scoring 2 runs less per 9 over their last 5 games while the Cubs bullpen has out performed them so far in this early season.

Gerrit Cole is a stud and should be around for years, but I will fade him on the road on short rest. His previous 3 starts at Wrigley have been average allowing a 4.00 ERA and I expect the Cubs to only need a couple of runs to get a win. Cole also is off a season high 108 pitches which could factor in here. I look for the Cubs to continue their early season success and get the sweep!