The Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants are battling in a three game series at beautiful AT&T Park in San Francisco. Game two of the series will take place on Tuesday night, and features a terrific pitching matchup. The Giants won the series opener in extra innings by a score of 2-1.
This series is a rematch of the epic 2016 NLDS, which the Cubs came from behind to win game 4 and eliminate the Giants. Both teams are still in the playoff mix this year, and could square off again in October. The Giants are in 4th place in the NL West, but are within striking distance. The Cubs still trail the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, but the deficit is just 1.5 games. The San Francisco Giants are +105 over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.
Cueto Back For Giants
The Giants managed to stay afloat through a myriad of injuries, but are starting to get healthy right before the All-Star break. Johnny Cueto will be making just his 7th start of the season on Tuesday, and will be starting for the 2nd time since being activated off the DL. Cueto got roughed up last time out, giving up five earned runs in just five innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Giants need Cueto to be their ace and lead them back to the playoffs.
Giants shortstop, Brandon Crawford, is having a terrific season and was rewarded by getting voted in to start the All-Star Game. Crawford has always been an excellent defender, but his offensive game is starting to show up too. Crawford leads the Giants with a .300 batting average to go along with 10 home runs and 39 runs batted in. Crawford hopes to finish the 1st half of the season strong, with a great series against the Cubs.
Cubs Feature Potent Offense
The Chicago Cubs are the highest scoring team in the National League, and are capable of scoring 10 runs almost every time out. All-Star second baseman, Javier Baez, has been the biggest threat on the Cubs in 2018. Baez leads the team with 17 home runs and 65 runs batted in. His flair for the dramatic has earned him plenty of popularity, and Baez has a real chance to win an MVP award this season.
Lefthander, Jose Quintana, will start for the Cubs in game two of the series. Quintana has had an up and down season for the Cubs, but is capable of shutting down an offense. The former White Sox ace is just 7-6 with a 4.22 earned run average this season. The Cubs need Quintana to pitch much better for them in the second half of the season.
Giants Win Low Scoring Affair
Both the Giants and Cubs are trying to close out the first half season with a strong week. The Cubs have one of the best lineups in all of baseball, but Cueto has given them problems in the past. Jose Quintana will do his best to match Cueto pitch for pitch, but look for the Giants offense to breakthrough to win game two of the series. Take the San Francisco Giants +105 over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.
