MLB Picks: The Los Angeles Dodgers will be looking to extend their winning streak to three when they play the Chicago Cubs Sunday in the final game of a four game set. The Dodgers will send veteran RHP Brad Penny (5-7, 5.45 ERA) to the mound while the Cubs will counter with RHP Jason Marquis (3-3, 5.02 ERA). The game will be televised at 8:05 p.m. ET on ESPN. Oddsmakers at online sportsbook SBGglobal.com currently have the Dodgers listed as 127-moneyline favorites versus the Cubs, while the game's total is sitting at 9.
Penny returned to form Tuesday against the Rockies, giving up two runs on six hits in six innings with the help of a good splitter. He also struck out five and walked four. Penny threw his first quality start in his last seven outings. He is still winless in his previous six starts, but he lowered the 9.43 ERA he had compiled his last five times out. Penny has not won since May 2.
Marquis picked up the win in his last start against the Padres in spite of himself. The right-hander gave up three runs on four hits and five walks over five innings, and also was called for a walk, and made a throwing error. He got a spirited lecture from Lou Piniella on the mound in the fourth after walking the leadoff batter. Marquis needs to go deeper in the games because the bullpen is overworked.
The Dodgers scored all their runs in the sixth and seventh innings on Saturday, as they defeated the Cubs 7-3. The Dodgers won the game as +120 underdogs, while the 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (7.5).
Russell Martin belted a two-run homer and finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Derek Lowe surrendered three runs off six hits over seven innings for the win.
Alfonso Soriano homered in a losing effort for the Cubs, who were -125 favorites in that game. Carlos Zambrano gave up seven runs off 13 hits over 6 2-3 innings in the loss.
Point Spreads.com MLB Picks: Dodgers ML -127
