CUBS: Chicago is in the midst of a 3 game losing skid, and they need to turn it around in a hurry as they head onto the road to face their division rival. This is a huge series for Chicago, as they can make up ground in the division or fall all the way to last place. The Cubs are 23-31 this year for -9.29 units. Chicago has played better on the road than at home this year, as they are 11-12 on the road. The Cubs are batting .272 as a team, 2nd best behind only their opponent tonight. Unfortunately for Chicago, the Cubs pitching staff has a team ERA of 4.77, 2nd worst in all of baseball. Pitcher Ryan Dempster was expected to be the ace of this staff, but he's had a terrible start to the season. Dempster is 4-4 this year with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.49. The Cubs are 4-0 in Dempster's last 4 starts overall. Chicago is 5-1 in Dempster's last 6 road starts against a team with a winning record. The Cubs are 4-1 in Dempster's last 5 starts during game 1 of a series. Chicago is 4-1 in Dempster's last 5 starts with 4 days of rest. The Cubs are 4-1 in Dempster's last 5 starts played on grass. Chicago is 9-3 in Dempster's last 12 road starts. The Cubs are 3-9 in Dempster's last 12 Friday starts. Chicago is 7-3 in their last 10 road games against a left-handed starter. The Cubs are 2-5 in their last 7 Friday games. Chicago is 1-5 in their last 6 games following an off day. The Cubs are 1-5 in their last 6 games overall. Chicago is 1-5 in their last 6 games played on grass. The Cubs are 1-8 in their last 9 games against the National League Central.

Projected Score: 4