Cardinals at Cubs 9/28/18 - MLB Picks & Predictions

A huge series between NL Central Division rivals will begin on Friday afternoon, when the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs battle from Wrigley Field. The Cardinals are reeling after being swept by visiting Milwaukee by a 20-9 combined score over the three games. St. Louis is 15 games above .500 overall and trails Los Angeles by a full game for the final NL Wild Card spot.

Thirty-seven year old righty Adam Wainwright (2-3 4.08 ERA) will make his eighth start of the season for the Cardinals. Last time out, Wainwright allowed eight hits and four runs during a 5-4 victory versus San Francisco. The Chicago Cubs have already clinched a playoff spot and have some work left to do this weekend to win the NL Central Division title. On Thursday, Jon Lester and three relievers combined on a four-hitter during a 3-0 victory versus Pittsburgh. The Cubs are 27 games above .500 overall and lead Milwaukee by one full game for first place.

Chicago skipper Joe Maddon will turn to right-hander Kyle Hendricks (13-11 3.49 ERA) on Friday. Hendricks has won consecutive starts and has allowed just two runs over his last 16 plus innings of work.