Monday’s MLB Over/Under: Taillon, Hamels Throw Down At Wrigley

Betting odds: Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs
Over/Under: 8
First Pitch: 8:05 p.m. ET
Probable Pitchers: Jameson Taillon (13-9, 3.24 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (9-10, 3.90 ERA)

Zylbert's 2018 MLB Over/Under Betting Record: 98-70-4, +20.6 units

Yesterday's Result: Rays-Blue Jays Under 8, Snell vs. Borucki (WIN)

*Each bet graded as if it were to win 1 unit

Seeing the over/under set at 8 for what looks like a pitchers' duel on paper isn't very common, but that will be the case when the Pirates and Cubs commence a four-game set in Chicago tonight.

In this particular case, the total being set at its current number is largely due to the fact that those infamous Wrigley Field winds are expected to be blowing out, but will it impact how this series opener plays out?

I don't think it will, not with these two starters on the bump and the great pitching they've each showcased over the last two months.

Jameson Taillon has been an absolute pleasure to watch (and not just because I'm 9-3 in his starts) this year as he established himself as a no-doubt top-of-the-rotation pitcher.

Entering the final week of the season, Taillon could not look any stronger, as he carries a really impressive streak into his career-high 31st assignment of 2018.

For 20 straight starts (!), Taillon has limited his opponent to three earned runs or fewer, with 15 of them (including his two starts against the Cubs), going down as quality starts.

His last turn was definitely one of his most impressive outings, as Taillon struck out a career-high 11 batters in seven scoreless innings against the Royals. It's a smart decision betting on the No. 2 overall pick of the 2010 Draft to keep it going as he wraps up his breakout 2018.

Meanwhile, Taillon's counterpart in this one, Cole Hamels, did not look so hot in his last outing but given what he's done so far since being traded to the Cubs, he can easily be forgiven.

Tonight marks Hamels' 11th start with Chicago, and prior to his last one, he had not allowed more than three runs in any outing.

The former World Series MVP figures to benefit from returning to Wrigley, as he's been outstanding at home with his new club. In all four of his starts in front of Cubs faithful, Hamels has given up two runs or fewer. Overall, he's strung together a shiny 1.30 ERA and 1.05 WHIP across 27.2 innings within the Friendly Confines.

So, not only may Hamels get back on track because of the park he'll be working in, but also because of the opponent. The 13-year veteran owns a career 2.49 ERA and 1.03 WHIP versus the Pirates. He was also victorious in both his previous dates with the Bucs this season, yielding no earned runs in 12 smooth innings.

Get this under bet in right away, with the possibility looming that it sinks down to 7.5.

Play: UNDER 8 (-120)