MLB Picks: The Chicago Cubs will go for their third straight win tonight as they take on the Braves in game two of a three game set at Wrigley Field. Chicago took the series opener from Atlanta last night, winning 4-2 against a tough Jair Jurrjens. However, Bodog.com has the Braves listed as the favorite tonight, with Atlanta coming in at -114 on the moneyline in the bookmaker's MLB Picks: Braves vs Cubs MLB Betting Odds – July 7, 2009. 
The Cubs won for the fifth time in their last six games last night, overcoming Atlanta 4-2 behind another quality effort from starter Randy Wells. Wells held the Braves to seven hits and two earned runs before handing things over to the Chicago bullpen in the seventh. The Cubs relief crew allowed Bobby Cox club just two hits in the final three innings to secure the victory.
Offensively, Chicago jumped on the normally reliable Jurrjens early, scoring four runs off the young hurler in the first two innings. The outburst proved to be enough for the Cubs to record their 25th win of the season at Wrigley Field.
Chicago is now 41-39 overall and they closed to within two games of the first place Cardinals as a result of the victory. Lou Piniella's squad is just a game back of the Brewers, a team they took three out of four from prior to last night's contest.
The Cubs had lost seven of nine before turning things around in their last six games. Their pitching has been key as they have limited teams to an average of just 3.57 runs per game in their recent uptick. It will be crucial again this evening as they face veteran hurler Javier Vazquez. Vazquez is 5-7 this year thanks to a lack of run support, but he possesses a 3.05 ERA and has struck out 123 while walking just 23.
The Cubbies will send Ryan Dempster to the hill tonight, hoping that the Canadian can keep the Atlanta bats in a funk. He did just that earlier this year at Turner Field, but it was Dempster who fell victim to a lack of run support as the Braves escaped with a 2-0 win.
Dempster, who is 5-5 in 17 starts with a 4.09 ERA, has not had the best of luck against Atlanta. In 15 career starts and 26 overall appearances versus the Braves, the 11 year veteran is just 2-11. However, in seven outings at Wrigley this season, Dempster is 4-1 while the Cubs are 5-2.
Tonight's first pitch is scheduled for 8:05pm ET at Chicago's legendary Wrigley Field.
Bodog.com MLB Picks: Braves vs Cubs MLB Betting Odds – July 7, 2009
Atlanta Braves -1.5 (+135), -114 (Moneyline)
Chicago Cubs +1.5 (-155), +104 (Moneyline)
Bet on sports at online sportsbook Bodog.com and receive a 10% Deposit Bonus and start winning today!
