MLB Free Premium Play 08/18: Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati Reds

Chicago  at Cincinnati

MLB - 951 Chicago Cubs @ 952 Cincinnati Reds (Starting Pitchers: J. Samardzija vs J. Cueto) On this first game of a double header, I like both SP to have a great performance and shutdown the batters for this contest. Samardzija is coming from a great outing against Houston and the truth is that he has allowed just two runs or fewer in six of his last eight starts, while his FIP has been lower than 4.00 in five of his last six outings. With the Reds having a lineup full of RH batters, this is a good matchup for Samardzija, as he is .242 BA, .347 SLG, 2.77 FIP and 2.91 xFIP against RH batters this season! This is why he has already dominated the Reds this season by allowing them just one run and three hits in a 7.2 IP outing. Cincinnati will start Cueto on this early game and he is my current bet to win the NL Cy Young award. He is coming from 5 days rest and in fact, he is coming from a dominant performance against this very same Cubs on the road, where he allowed no runs and just three hits in a 8.0 IP outing. He has a season ERA of 2.45 and his August numbers aren't much worse with 2.82 ERA, 3.36 FIP and 2.88 xFIP. Against a poor lineup of the Cubs today, I believe Cueto will once again dominate. Cincinnati will be resting Ludwick and Stubbs for this game and so, they will be missing some of their offensive power in here, especially as Ludwick has been hitting .330 BA in August. With both SP having a great spot to dominate the batters on this contest, I'll see a lot of value on the Under and so, I'll take it in here. NOTE: Also available on 5Dimes at -125 / 1.80 Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on 951/952 Under 7.5 (w/ J. Samardzija & J. Cueto) @ -123 / 1.81 on Pinnacle