Cubs vs Orioles Free Pick July 14, 2017 – Jesse Schule

The Orioles really struggled prior to the All Star break, losing seven of their last 10 games. They are 7.5 games back in the AL East, despite the fact that they have one of the better home records in the division. I like Baltimore to go on a run here in the second half, starting with a home series against the Cubs. Kevin Gausman will toe the slab for the Orioles in Game 1, and he’s been better at home than he has been on the road. His last home start was impressive, going seven scoreless innings, surrendering just two hits and striking out nine in a win over Tampa. After going 6-2 with a 2.67 ERA in 12 home starts last season, he’s 3-3 with a 4.45 ERA in 10 home starts in the first half of this season. The Cubs hand the ball to Mike Montgomery, who is coming off four straight losses. The lefty allowed a pair of runs on three hits and three walks in just three innings in a 14-3 loss to the Pirates his last time out. He’s still winless (0-4, 3.72 ERA) in 10 appearances away from Wrigley this season. The Cubs have lost seven of their last eight when Montgomery starts, and they are just 8-17 in their last 25 away from Wrigley. The Orioles are 14-4 in their last 18 when Gausman starts at home. Take BAL. GL, Jesse Schule