TicketIQ's MLB Game Of The Day (6/24)

June 24, 2014

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs | Avg. Price: $52.14 | Get-in Price: $8

Homer Bailey (7-3, 4.68 ERA) vs Jake Arrieta (3-1, 1.98), 7:05 central time 

The Chicago Cubs will host the Cincinnati Reds in the second game of a three game series tonight at Wrigley Field. The Reds took the first game of the series 6-1 Monday night and have won four of the six games against the Cubs this season. Cincinnati is a game above .500 at 38-37 and sit 7.5 games behind the division leading Milwaukee Brewers and three games back of the Wild Card. Chicago Cubs tickets have an average price of $52.14 for tonight’s game, 40% below the Cubs’ season average.

Homer Bailey’s win-loss record is deceiving considering how he’s pitched so far this season. His 4.68 ERA is not far from his 4.09 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), meaning he hasn’t been too unlucky giving up runs. While he’s striking out 8.1 batters per nine innings, the third highest rate of his career, he’s also giving up 10.2 hits per nine innings, 2.2 more than last season. He’s also walked 29 batters in 90.1 innings, leading to an unimpressive 1.45 WHIP.

Jake Arrieta, on the other hand, has been spectacular for the Cubs this season. In his nine starts, Arrieta has only given up 45 hits and has struck out 55 batters in 50 innings pitched. His 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings is currently a career high, as is his 3.67 strikeout per walk ratio.

Check out the other upcoming games on the Chicago Cubs schedule.