Wayne Root
No Limit---Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are 3-1 to begin the season and look to keep pace with the Pirates as they will be doing all season long. Gambling goes in streaks and the bats for the Cubs are more potent than those of the Diamondbacks. Kyle Hendricks will get the start for Chicago. Hendricks was sharp in his first two years for the Cubs, with a 15-9 record and 3.49 ERA and has team momentum going for him. Arizona is throwing $200 Million Zack Greinke who may be feeling the pressure of that contract. The price is perfect as the Cubs will rarely be an underdog. Along with the Cubs bats, in one career start against Arizona, Hendricks threw five innings of one-run baseball in a no decision which should keep him comfortable and confident.
Hendricks was sharp at the end of last season and pitched well in the spring. The last few innings of the game are owned by Chicago. The Cubs will hang in and then take advantage of the Arizona bullpen to pick up the victory.