Game-day:  4/30/2009

First-pitch:  8:05 pm est.

By D.S. Williamson

The Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs begin what could end up being a preview of an N.L. Playoff Series on Thursday night with the Cubs looking to get above .500.  Maybe, the curse is starting early for Chicago who is 10 and 10 so far at this point in the season.  The Cubs send pitcher Sean Marshall to the mound.  Marshall is 0 and 1 with an ERA of 4.50 and a 1.42 WHIP.

The Marlins, 13 and 8 after an 11 and 1 start, send pitcher Chris Volstad to the mound.  The Marlins are still ranked in the MLB Power Rankings but they’ve gone 7 and 3 in their last 10 after that terrific start.  Volstad has three terrific numbers, a 2 and 0 record, a 2.70 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP.

Here is the BetUS Sportsbook betting line for this game.

Florida Marlins

Chris Volstad – R                  +1 ½ -195        Ev        O 9 ½ -105

Chicago Cubs

Sean Marshall – L                 -1 ½ +165        -120     U 9 ½ -115

Here are a few online wagering trends for this game.

The Florida Marlins are 6 and 1 in Chris Volstad’s last 7 starts as an underdog on the road.

The Florida Marlins are 6 and 2 in the last 8 meetings between these two teams in Chicago.

The Chicago Cubs are 1 and 11 in Sean Marshall’s last 12 starts as the favorite.

The Chicago Cubs are 2 and 6 in their last 8 games overall.

This game will come down to which team can produce for which pitcher.  Without a doubt that team should be the Florida Marlins.

Chris Volstad is easily one of the top pitchers so far in the National League.  His ERA is fantastic but his WHIP is what’s truly impressive.  The Cubs are reeling anyhow.  Now, they have to face a pitcher that rarely allows batters on base.

To me, that’s going to be the difference in this game.  The Marlins should get to Marshall early which means they could build a 2 to 3 run lead before the sixth inning.  If that happens, then Florida should coast to a victory.

I’m betting the Florida Marlins to win straight-up at even money in this game.