Cubs Go for Ninth Straight Win When They Host Angels

The National League Central leading Chicago Cubs will play host to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field. The current line has Chicago favored at -198, Los Angeles at +182 and the over/under run total not yet released.

Entering this game, Los Angeles has a record of 49-63 overall and 23-34 on the road. The Angels are 3-7 over their past 10 games played. Chicago entering this game, is 70-41 overall and 38-17 at home. The Cubs are 9-1 over their past 10 games played.

Los Angeles will send Ricky Nolasco to the mound on Wednesday. The Angels right-hander is 4-8 with an ERA of 5.23. Chicago will counter with Jason Hammel. The Cubs right-hander is 11-5 with an ERA of 3.07.

Nolasco’s debut with the Angels was not good. He gave up five runs during six innings last Thursday against Oakland for a no-decision. The veteran, who is 33, gave up three home runs amongst the six hits he allowed. Nolasco has a record of 7-2 with an ERA of 2.81 in his career versus Chicago.

Hammel is 4-0 over his past four starts and at home, this season is 6-1 with an ERA of 2.24. He has given up just 4 runs over 24 innings during the four straight wins and has not allowed over two runs during any outing since the start of July.

Chicago has won its past eight consecutive games to equal a season high and continue to stretch their lead in the NL Central. The Cubs are now 12 games ahead of second place St. Louis. The Cubs can sweep their season series against the Angels with a win on Wednesday

The Cubs have baseball’s best record and added to that Tuesday with their 5-1 win as the starting pitching for Chicago has been dominating opponents. Chicago has given up two runs or fewer in 9 of its past 12 games and during that stretch is an impressive 11-1.

For the Angels, things are heading the opposite way. Los Angeles has lost five straight giving up 30 runs in those five games.

Albert Pujols the veteran slugger for Los Angeles has 56 home runs versus the Cubs, which are the most he has against any one team.

Chicago third baseman Kris Bryant hit home run No. 28 Tuesday.

The Cubs are 12-4 in this season’s interleague play.

Prediction: The Cubs are on fire with 9 wins in 10 games. Chicago will look to continue that fine run on Wednesday. Lean toward the home team.