Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels Predictions, Picks and MLB Preview – April 5, 2016

How ‘bout them Cubs? The Chicago Cubs exploded on Opening Day as they relentlessly battered the Los Angeles Angels for a shutout win. They can continue their hot start when the put ace Jon Lester on the mound Tuesday night. Lester makes his first appearance after setting the franchise record for strikeouts by a lefty starter last season. Speaking of lefties, southpaw Andrew Heaney takes the mound for Los Angeles for his first ever outing against the Cubs.

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Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview

Where: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim

When: Tuesday, April 5, 10:05 PM ET

Line: Chicago Cubs (-133) at Los Angeles Angels (+123); total 7.5 – view all MLB lines

Betting on the Chicago Cubs (1-0)

The Chicago Cubs started off on the right foot, blowing out the Los Angeles Angels 9-0 on Opening Day. Dexter Fowler had a field day at the top of the Cubs’ order as he went 3 for 4 with a walk and three runs. Miguel Montero showcased some power as he hit two homers to drive in three runs. Even pinch hitter Matt Szczur drove in three runs with a double at the top of the ninth.

The Cubs have another shot at blowing out their hosts, who are starting Andrew Heaney on Tuesday night. Heaney struggled at home last season, going 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA in 10 home starts. He also struggled against NL teams last season, going 1-2 with a 3.98 ERA. In contrast, the Cubs can silence opposing bats with Jon Lester due to take the mound.

Lester was mostly solid last season with 21 quality outings in 32 starts. He set the franchise record for a left-hander with 207 strikeouts. He did have some problems, going 11-12 with a 3.34 ERA. He started 0-2 with a 6.89 ERA in his first three games as a Cub. However, Lester seems ready to have a better start to the year this time around. He had no issues in spring training, allowing just one earned run in his final 15 innings.

The total has gone under in four of Lester’s last five starts at Angel Stadium.

Betting on the Los Angeles Angels (0-1)

The Los Angeles Angels lost their home opener in devastating fashion last night. But they could temper Chicago’s bats this time around with Andrew Heaney on the mound. Heaney went 6-4 with a 3.49 ERA in 18 starts for the Angels last season. But he has never faced the Cubs or any of their current hitters. Heaney went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in five spring starts heading into this matchup.

The Halos may have a better outing at the plate this time around. Albert Pujols , who went 0 for 3 with a strikeout last night, is 5 for 12 with two doubles lifetime against Cubs starter Jon Lester. Andrelton Simmons, who also went 0 for 3 in the first game, is 4 of 10 with a double lifetime against the Cubs ace.

Heavy hitter Mike Trout may not showcase his power in this game. He’s only 2 for 11 with five strikeouts against Lester in his career. He went a disappointing 0 for 4 with two strikeouts last night.

Los Angeles battered Lester in their last two outings against him, while the ace was still with Oakland in 2014. The Halos tagged him for eight runs (five earned) in 13 innings, outscoring Lester’s team 9-4 in the two games. The Angels have won three of their last four games against Lester.

Writer’s Prediction

Lester pitches a gem as the Cubs (-133) improve to 2-0.

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