A couple of intradivision games are the top matchups this Thursday. First up, the Cubs and Brewers continue to battle for NL Central supremacy. Meanwhile, the Rangers will be looking to complete the sweep on their AL West rival Mariners.
MLB World Series News and Previews
- Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins Preview –August 17, 2017
- Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays – August 17, 2017
- Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers Betting Preview – August 17, 2017
Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers (8:10 PM ET)
Line: Chicago Cubs (-136) at Milwaukee Brewers (+126); total 8.5 – view all MLB lines
The bad news for the Cubs was their season-best seven-game winning streak was ended by the Tampa Bay Rays. The good news is that Jake Arrieta finally returns to the Cubs rotation after missing the past few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Arrieta had just come off his best month of the season in August, as he went 4-1 with a sparkling 1.21 ERA in his six starts.
Arrieta will face off with the Brewers’ Zach Davies. The 24-year-old has been very reliable for the better part of two months, where he had a run of 11 starts with a 1.71 ERA. He had an unusual stinker in his most recent start against Miami. He gave up six runs on eight hits in just four innings of work. But prior to that start, he gave up just one run in seven innings in a 3-1 win against the Cubs.
Writer’s Prediction: Davies outduels the rusty Arrieta to give the Brewers (+126) a home win over the champs.
Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners (10:10 PM ET)
Line: Texas Rangers (+138) vs. Seattle Mariners (-153); total 8.5 – view all MLB lines
Cole Hamels will be set to start for the Rangers, who are looking for the sweep of the Seattle Mariners, and their fourth win overall. Hamels has been unconvincing to say the least this September. He’s currently sporting a 4.81 ERA through four starts. However, his last start was his best, as he gave up two earned runs in 7.1 innings in a 2-0 loss to the LA Angels.
Hamels will go head-to-head with James Paxton, who lasted just 1.1 innings, gave up three runs and threw two wild pitches upon his return from the disabled list. Paxton had been absolutely dealing prior to his DL stint. He went a perfect 6-0 with a 1.37 ERA in six starts in July.
Writer’s Prediction: Hamels delivers a quality start to help the Rangers (+138) sweep the M’s.
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