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July, 01 2008 10:15pm EST
MONEYLINE: San Francisco Giants -113
WIN for +2.65 unit(s)

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants

I'm playing on SAN FRANCISCO. After getting swept by the rival White Sox, the Cubs bounced back with a convincing 9-2 victory over the Giants in the opening game of this series. Despite that result, they're still a poor 17-23 in this season's 40 road games. Looking back a bit further and we find them at a money-burning 89-116 (-20.5) on the road since 2006. I expect yesterday's loss to provide some extra motivation for the Giants, who I also expect to have the edge on the mound.

Thanks to getting more run support, Marquis has the better record than Cain. However, Cain's got the better overall stats. Marquis, who averages less than six innings per start, has a 4.96 ERA and 1.524 WHIP. Cain, who averages greater than six innings per start, has a 4.44 ERA and 1.358 WHIP. The Giants have won three of Cain's five starts vs. the Cubs, including two of three here at San Francisco. In the three victories, Cain allowed a grand total of just two earned runs through 23 2/3 innings. The last time that Cain faced the Cubs, he outpitched Zambrano, allowing  en route to a 4-1 Giants victory. In fairness, Marquis has also enjoyed considerable success against the Giants. That being said, he's really struggled in back to back starts now. Two outings ago, he gave up five runs (2 HRs) to the White Sox. While the Cubs bailed him out in that game, Marquis was even worse in his last start. Indeed, he allowed 10 baserunners and seven earned runs in just four innings. Marquis took the loss as the Cubs fell 11-4 to Baltimore. Despite a win his last road start, the Cubs are still just 7-10 the last 17 times that Marquis started on the road. The fact that Cain has 23 Ks and four walks in his last three starts compared to eight K's and six walks for Marquis in his last three, further illustrates that Cain is the more dominant pitcher.

Yesterday's defeat was the Giants most lopsided loss since way back in late April (04/27) when they lost by a score of 10-1. Like yesterday, it was Barry Zito who was on the mound for the blowout loss. So, how did the Giants respond? They sent Matt Cain to the mound the next day and he combined with the bullpen for a 4-0 Giants win. Look for Cain to pick up the pieces after Zito once again, as he outpitches Marquis and the Giants even up the series. *Annihilator

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Milwaukee Brewers @ St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday August 27, 2008 8:15 pm
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Texas Rangers @ Kansas City Royals Wednesday August 27, 2008 8:10 pm
I'm playing on KANSAS CITY. After they've taken the first two games of this series, the majority of the betting public will likely ride the Rangers again today. After all, the Royals have been the least ... read more

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Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees Tuesday August 26, 2008 7:05 pm
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Chicago Cubs @ Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday August 26, 2008 7:05 pm
I'm playing on the Cubs and Pirates to finish UNDER the total. Yesterday's series opener resulted in a high-scoring contest but I expect to see a well-pitched affair this evening. Chicago starter Carlos ... read more

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Arizona Diamondbacks @ San Diego Padres Monday August 25, 2008 10:05 pm
I'm playing on San Diego and Arizona to finish UNDER the number. I don't normally go 'under' when a total is only 6.5. However, this isn't a 'normal' pitching matchup and it's not at a 'normal' park. ... read more

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Texas Rangers @ Kansas City Royals Monday August 25, 2008 8:10 pm
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Cincinnati Reds @ Colorado Rockies Sunday August 24, 2008 3:05 pm
I'm playing on the Rockies and Reds to finish UNDER the number. While the first two games of this series have both been of the high-scoring variety, I expect to see a pitcher's duel for this afternoon's ... read more

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Tampa Bay Rays @ Chicago White Sox Sunday August 24, 2008 2:05 pm
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Minnesota Twins @ Los Angeles Angels Saturday August 23, 2008 9:05 pm
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Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals Saturday August 23, 2008 3:55 pm
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