This is an 8* ASSASSIN on the Chicago Cubs.

The visitors hand the ball to Cole Hamels (5-7, 3.91 ERA), who is the rumors of trade talks with these very Cubs, but who comes into this one after getting shelled for five runs in a fortunate no-decision vs. the Marlins on Saturday, he'd last just three innings and give up eight hits before being pulled from the game. Unfortunately for Hamels, a date on the road is not what the doctor ordered to get untracked as he's a poor 3-5 with a 4.74 ERA away from friendly confines this year. The home side counters with Jake Arrieta (11-5, 2.52 ERA) who is coming off a fifth straight win, this time by going seven scoreless vs. Atlanta on Sunday; note that Arrieta has now given up two runs or fewer in his last six starts and he has to be feeling pretty confident that he can keep the momentum rolling today after having already posted a very respectable 3.00 ERA in front of the home town crowd this season. We're giving the firm nod to Arrieta in this matchup and that's going to be more than enough to swing the odds in our favor, lay the price with confidence on the CUBS.

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