PREMIUM
AMEDEUS' MLB GOLD STRIKE!
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Texas,
Money Line: -113.00 Texas (Home)
Result: Win
Money Line: -113.00 Texas (Home)
Result: Win
The Cubs are coming into this game with Justin Steele on the mound to open up the season. Steele was a stud for the Cubs last season as he finished the year 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA, but he was starting to give up more runs in his last 3 starts. He allowed at least 6 earned runs in 2 of his last 3 starts as well as at least 3 earned runs in all 3 of those games. He also continued that poor form into this Spring Training as he was 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA, allowing 6 earned runs and 9 hits in his 11 innings pitched. He was also a very different starter on the road last year as he was 12-3 with a 2.65 ERA at home, but he was 4-2 with a 3.66 ERA on the road as he tends to give up more runs in his road starts. They are going up against a Rangers team that is starting Nathan Eovaldi in this game but the Rangers are also coming in as the defending Wolrd Series champions. Eovaldi has been a solid starter throughout his career but he was also a big reason for the Rangers success last year as he was one of their best starters in the rotation. He finished the season 12-5 with a 3.63 ERA and that does not include the playoffs which he went 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in. He has continued that great form into this Spring Training as well as he went 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA, allowing 4 earned runs in close to 14 innings pitched. Eovaldi is always going to give the Rangers a chance to win when he is on the mound and the Rangers will be looking to come out strong here since there has not been a lot of talk about them being a serious contender again. They also have the much stronger lineup here with only 2 changes from the lineup that was in the World Series last season, and Wyatt Langford is going to be a very nice fill-in for one of the pieces they are missing. The Rangers are going to win this game in their home opener and start the season strong here.