MLB Odds: Cubs Carry Momentum into Series with Braves

The Chicago Cubs came out of the All-Star Break with momentum, sweeping their weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles, while scoring 27 runs in the process. They’ll look to keep that momentum going in Atlanta on Tuesday.

The Cubs face the Braves at 7:35 PM ET in a matchup between John Lackey and Sean Newcomb. Lackey has struggled this season, with home runs being the main issue. He’s allowed at least one home run in 14 of his 17 starts and given up 24 home runs in 98.2 innings of work. Last season, he allowed just 23 in 188.1 innings pitched. Ricky Nolasco is the only pitcher in the majors to have allowed more dingers this season.

Lackey will face Newcomb, the Braves’ rookie starter who has had some challenges of his own. The Braves have dropped four of Newcomb’s six starts. After an impressive month of June where he posted a 1.48 ERA, Newcomb has given up 11 earned runs in just 7.1 innings of work in his last two outings.
Coming into this series, the Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10 against the Braves, with seven going over the posted total. Offense could be the theme once again if the pitchers on both sides continue to struggle.

MLB Odds: Lackey Leads Cubs into Atlanta

The Chicago Cubs will look to pick up a win in Atlanta on Tuesday evening when they send John Lackey to the mound. He has had enjoyed success against the Braves in recent outings.

Lackey has made three starts against the Braves over the last three seasons. He’s lasted 18.1 innings in those outings while posting a 2.45 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, holding the Braves to a .239 batting average. Lackey has struggled this season, though. The key for him has been home runs. The Cubs are 3-0 when he doesn’t give up a home run, but are 6-9 otherwise.