Starting Monday night in Phoenix, the Chicago Cubs begin the final leg of their West Coast swing against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cubs are coming off their first road series victory of the season, taking two of three games from the Seattle Mariners.
They’ll try to keep the momentum going on Monday at Chase Field.
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks odds
Run Line: Cubs +1.5 (-152), D-backs -1.5 (+126)
Moneyline: Cubs +134, D-backs -158
Total: Over 9 (+100), Under 9 (-122)
Odds via FanDuel
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Cubs vs. Diamondbacks prediction
Chicago’s pitching stepped up in the two wins on Saturday and Sunday, limiting the Mariners to a total of three runs after allowing four in the series-opening defeat.
The defending National League champion Diamondbacks are off to an 8-8 start but have played better of late by winning four of their last five games.
Arizona grabbed two of three games at home against the St. Louis Cardinals, highlighted by Sunday’s 5-0 shutout.
The Cubs and D-backs met six times in September last season, with Arizona winning five times. In the D-backs’ three-game home sweep of Chicago, they were listed as a slight underdog in each game.
Things have flipped as Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly is listed in the favorite role tonight opposite Chicago’s Ben Brown, who is making his second career start.
Ben Brown gets the nod for the Cubs Monday night in Phoenix. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Kelly has started on fire in three starts this season, posting a 2-0 record along with a 2.29 ERA.
Kelly has tossed at least six innings in all three starts, but both wins came against last-place Colorado.
Brown turned in an impressive debut against the Padres last Tuesday, spinning 4.2 scoreless innings and striking out five in a 5-1 victory.
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks pick
The Cubs, who are playing with momentum heading into Monday’s matchup, certainly haven’t forgotten about the five September losses to the Diamondbacks last season.
In a revenge role, back Chicago as a road underdog in Game 1 of a three-game set.
Pick: Cubs ML (+134 at FanDuel)
