[G-men]

Dominic Fazzini

Friday's play 15 Dime -- Cubs (Harden) over MARLINS (Volstad)

CUBS

NOTE: List only Harden as Chicago's starting pitcher

Cubs right-hander Rich Harden (7-6, 4.55 ERA) has turned his season around.

After struggling for much of the first half, Harden is 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA in his last three starts. He allowed one hit – a Joey Votto solo homer -- in six innings with eight strikeouts against Cincinnati on Sunday.

Harden will be opposed by Marlins right-hander Chris Volstad (8-9, 4.44), who has struggled at home this year. He is 2-6 with a 5.57 ERA in his last nine outings at Land Shark Stadium.

In his last start, Volstad allowed four runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings Sunday at Dodger Stadium. It was the third time in four outings that he has given up at least four runs.

The Cubs’ offense had trouble scoring runs much of the first half of the season, but that’s not the case anymore, as Chicago has scored in double figures four times in the last 11 games.

Harden has been solid on the road all season, going 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA in seven starts, and he has allowed just three runs over 20 innings in his last three outings away from Wrigley Field.

When Harden is on his game, he’s as good as any pitcher in baseball. Combine that with the way Chicago has been swinging the bats lately, and there’s only one way to go on this one.

Take the Cubs.

[G-men]

Dominic Fazzini

Today's Free Play

The Nationals have found their ace – or at least what passes for one in Washington.

Left-hander John Lannan (7-7, 3.25 ERA) keeps getting better and better with nearly each start. He allowed one run and five hits in eight innings Sunday against San Diego, but left with a no-decision, and has a 1.14 ERA in his last three outings.

Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf (8-8, 4.51) has been inconsistent all season. The right-hander gave up two runs and six hits in six innings Saturday at Arizona, and has pitched pretty well for three straight starts, going 1-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

Ohlendorf was battered in his last outing vs. Washington, though, allowing five runs and six hits in five innings on May 18. Even though he has been pitching well recently, that just tells me that he is due for a real stinker on the mound. I’m thinking today is that day.

The Pirates have to be demoralized with a flurry of trades that has gutted their roster. Only one of their Opening Day starters from 2008 remains on the roster, with catcher Ryan Doumit being the lone survivor.

Pittsburgh fans are sure to voice their displeasure at today’s game, at least those who even bother showing up.

Lannan has faced the Pirates once this season, allowing one run in seven innings on May 20, and I expect him to handle the Bucs again. Washington also is 7-3 in Lannan’s last 10 starts. Go with the Nationals in this one.

2♦ WASHINGTON (on a 1♦ TO 5♦ Scale)