Here come the defending champs. The San Francisco Giants are still the fourth-lowest scoring team in the majors but they\u2019ve rattled off seven straight victories anyway. <\/p>\n
MLB Betting \u2013 Giants vs Cubs Preview & Pick<\/strong> San Francisco Giants (46-34 through June 28)<\/strong> It\u2019s no secret why. The Giants have allowed three earned runs or fewer in six of their seven straight wins.<\/p>\n With guys like Matt Cain taking the hill every night, it\u2019s no wonder San Fran barely needs offense these days. Remember when Cain used to be a hard-luck loser? He takes matter into his own hands these days. Cain is 4-0 over his last five starts, allowing one earned run or fewer in four of those outings.<\/p>\n To the Giants\u2019 credit, their hitters exploded for 19 runs over the first two games of their four-game set with the Chicago Cubs this week. All their slumping hitters, from Aubrey Huff to Aaron Rowand to Pablo Sandoval, knocked in some runs. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n Chicago Cubs (32-48 through June 28)<\/strong> The bleeding won\u2019t stop for the poor Cubbies, who have lost seven of 10 and are hurtling toward last place in the National League Central.<\/p>\n At least Carlos Zambrano has something to play for. He recently stated that he\u2019s willing to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to a contender. Even though his 4.38 ERA this season would qualify as career worst by far, he has plenty to offer a pitching-starved club. <\/p>\n Big Z has five quality starts in his last seven tries.<\/p>\n MLB Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n Under is 8-1-1 in SF last 10 Thu. games. The pick: <\/strong><\/p>\n Is Zambrano just the guy to cool off San Francisco\u2019s bats? History suggests he is. Zambrano is 5-1 over 10 starts and 11 appearances against the Giants in his career, compiling a 2.58 ERA. Then again, Cain is just as good against Chicago, going 5-2 with a 2.38 ERA over 10 starts. <\/p>\n Even though Carlos Pena is piping hot at the dish for the Cubs, Cain has held lefthanded hitters to a .182 average this season.<\/p>\n It ain\u2019t an easy choice with two great hurlers taking the mound Thursday but I\u2019ll lean San Francisco\u2019s way. The champs are on fire. Their bats are also awake for the first time in months.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Thursday, June 30, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>CSBA,WGN
\nSan Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs Betting Lines from BetOnline.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Cubs -103<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: <\/strong>
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\nMatt Cain (7-4, 3.22)<\/p>\n
\nCarlos Zambrano (6-4, 4.38)<\/p>\n
\nSF are 7-1 in their last 8 overall.
\nSF are 7-1 in their last 8 games on grass.
\nOver is 7-3-1 in CHC last 11 Thu. games.
\nOver is 7-3 in Zambranos last 10 starts on grass.
\nOver is 7-3 in Zambranos last 10 starts overall.
\nSF are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
\nCHC are 7-3 in Zambranos last 10 starts vs. SF.<\/p>\n