Again on the edge of negative units on the year, we closes June with a Cardinals’ win that also was the tenth win of the season. No time to waste in July with a write-up play on the first of the month. There were only seven hits in the entire game between the Cubs and Mets last night in a 1-0 Chicago victory. And things could remain tough for both offenses with a pair of Opening Day aces set to matchup at Citi Field Wednesday.
Free Pick
It hasn’t been a spotless first half of the season for Jon Lester in his new National League home. Lester’s ERA went back over four in his last start when he gave up four runs in as many innings pitched. He’s given up over a hit an inning, which is a bit more than we’ve seen in his best years in Boston but he’s maintained a strong K:BB ratio and still has all of my confidence, especially up against the Mets offense. 
New York’s lineup really doesn’t scare anyone these days, nor has it for quite some time. The Mets don’t have anything close to a .300 hitter and don’t threaten with the long ball. The Metropolitans’ pitching has been expectantly strong this year, which has contributed to their success. But Bartolo Colon may have to shutout the Cubs to get a win on Wednesday. I’m betting against that one. Colon’s ERA has gone up by two full runs over his last 10 outings and he’s looked exceedingly hittable in his last two starts specifically. In the 10.1 innings spanning those two games, he’s surrendered 19 hits and struck out just seven. Predictably, the Mets have lost both of those starts. And while he has nine wins this year, he’s the clear underdog in this matchup with Lester. I really like the Cubs on the road.
Free Pick: Chicago -120
YTD: 10-7-3 +1.72
2014: 45-28-3 +9.02
amazins • chicago • colon • cubbies • cubs • lester • metropolitans • new york mets