Cubs-Rays Preview

The fans at Tropicana Field will be treated to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays when they take their seats on Wednesday. The Cubs will trot ace Carlos Zambrano out to the mound in this one. Righthander Zambrano has a 8-2 record and a 2.98 ERA this season. Zambrano's opponent in this one will be Andy Sonnanstine. The Rays righthander has a 4.89 ERA to go along with a 7-3 record this season. NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Rays, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Evan Longoria and Cliff Floyd both went deep to lead the Rays over the Cubs 3-2 on Tuesday night. Tampa Bay cashed as -140 home favorites as the game played under the 7.5-run total posted by oddsmakers. Grant Balfour picked up the win in relief of starter Scott Kazmir for the Rays, who got a run batted in from Eric Hinske in the win. Ryan Theriot knocked in a run for Chicago, as reliever Neal Cotts was hit with the loss after coming in for Ryan Dempster for the Cubs. Team records: Chicago: 45-26 SU Tampa Bay: 41-29 SU Chicago most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 7-3 Before playing Tampa Bay are 2-2 After playing Tampa Bay are 1-2 After a loss are 7-3 Tampa Bay most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 3-7 Before playing Chi Cubs are 1-3 After playing Chi Cubs are 1-2 After a win are 4-6 A few trends to consider: Chi Cubs are 16-5 SU in their last 21 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Tampa Bay's last 18 games Next up: Tampa Bay home to Chi Cubs, Thursday, June 19