CHC ML +100.
The "Businessman Special" is such a great Wrigley tradition, usually the only day game on Fridays. Work half a day and then go to the ballpark to start off the weekend right!
Look, Skenes is a great pitcher. He's young and he has a lot of potential. Almost the opposite of Hendricks at this point, right? But, here's the thing. Would you believe the Pirates are last in OPS against right-handed pitching? That's right, .615, even worse than the Pale Hose and Fish. They just got to Steele yesterday for the second time and hey, Hendricks did great on his first start back from injury against these Pirates in the 'Burgh. And he has a good track record against these Pirates. The Pirates' bats have heated up lately but they still have the sixth worst OPS in May. For today's lineup, they have four hitters batting under the Mendoza line of .200. Cubs do have two in that regard, and the injuries have weakened them with Swanson and Hoerner out of the lineup, and Suzuki not starting today.
Brian Onora is behind the plate and he is 6-3 W/L for +3.3 units.
But for a rookie pitcher now pitching away from home and seeing the same team for a second time, I have to go with the home underdog here. Skenes did strike out seven last time but he was also hit hard. Even if the game is close, the Pirates' bullpen has been awful lately. I don't expect Skenes to go deep into this game.
Good luck and have a nice weekend. Tomorrow I will be at the game to see Imanaga pitch and I am really looking forward to that. 80 degree day as well!