MLB *AFTERNOON APOCALYPSE*
(MLB) San Francisco vs. Chi Cubs,
Point Spread: -1.50 | -110.00 Chi Cubs (Home)
Result: Loss
Play: Chicago Cubs -1.5
Rating: 8*

The Chicago Cubs will host the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field for the opener of a three-game set between the two National League foes on Friday afternoon. The Giants are 1-7 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning record and this looks like a good spot to back the Cubs on the run line.

Albert Suarez (3-2, 4.35 ERA) takes the ball for San Francisco. He's bounced between the bullpen, the rotation and the minors this season, and he allowed three runs on five hits and a pair of walks in 4 1/3 innings of a 3-1 loss to Atlanta on August 27 his last time out. Suarez has posted a 5.34 ERA through 30 1/3 innings of work on the road this season and he has pitched more than six innings in just one of his seven starts. That does not bode well for the Giants as their bullpen has been put through some heavy work lately and might be called into action early today.

The Cubs turn to Jon Lester (14-4, 2.70), and the left-hander has been outstanding in recent outings. He's 5-0 with a 2.01 ERA in eight starts since the All-Star break and 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA in four career starts against the Giants.

The Cubs are 23-14 against the run line in day games home at Wrigley on the season.