MLB Picks: The Chicago Cubs look to continue their hot play at Wrigley Field as they prepare to start a three game series with the Atlanta Braves this evening at the historic venue. Online bookmaker BetUS.com has the Cubs listed as a slight -115 moneyline favorite tonight in their MLB Picks: Braves vs Cubs MLB Betting Odds – July 6,2009.
Chicago enters tonight's game fresh off a home series win against their National Central rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs took three out of four from the Brew Crew to get themselves back into the thick of the division race. They are now just a game back of second place Milwaukee and two and a half games behind the first place Cardinals with a 40-39 overall record.
Chicago, which starts a four game set with St. Louis at Wrigley after their series with the Braves, is a stellar 24-14 at home this year.
Starting this evening for Lou Piniella is rookie hurler Randy Wells. Wells has been brillant in 10 starts this season, posting a 3-3 record with a 2.43 ERA. The Cubs have won four of the 26 year old's last five starts, but are 2-2 in his four appearances at Wrigley this season. Wells has made one career start versus the Braves, that coming last month when he gave up just two hits and one earned run in seven innings of what turned out to be a 6-5 Chicago loss at Turner Field.
Atlanta looked to have things going in the right direction after a home sweep of the Phillies, but they could not sustain their momemtum once they hit the road. Bobby Cox squad comes into tonight's national TV game after losing two straight to the lowly Nationals in D.C. They are now 39-42 on the year and in fourth place in the National League East standings (four games behind the Phillies).
The Braves will look to get back on track by sending 23 year old Jair Jurrjens to the hill this evening. The Netherlands product has been outstanding this season, sporting a 6-6 record through 17 starts with a 2.73 ERA. Jurrjens has made eight road starts this year (Atlanta is 4-4 in those outings), where he is 3-2 with a 2.44 ERA.
Jurrjens, who has never faced the Cubs before, gave up just one hit and no earned runs in his last start, an 11-1 win over the Phillies at Turner Field.
Tonight's game is scheduled for a 7:05pm ET first pitch; it will be broadcast live on ESPN.
BetUS.com MLB Picks: Braves vs Cubs MLB Betting Odds – July 6, 2009
Atlanta Braves +1.5 (-220), Over 8 (-110), -105 (Moneyline)
Chicago Cubs -1.5 (+180), Under 8 (-110), -115 (Moneyline)
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