The Chicago Cubs aren’t exactly lighting the world on fire like many expected and their terrible play on the road is a big reason why. The Cubbies have gone a dreadful 3-11 SU and against the runline in their past 14 games away from Wrigley Field while scoring two or fewer runs in seven of those outings. The Cubs kick off an 11-game road trip when they visit the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Jake Arrieta has not been the ace that everyone universally expected for the Cubs so far and he will try to get back on track at Marlins Park on Thursday. Arrieta has been struggling to go deep into games, as the righty has not made it through the fifth in his past two starts and has thrown less than 90 pitches in five of his past nine.
Jeff Locke flashes the ability to be a solid, middle-of-the-rotation arm but he simply can’t get out of innings. The lefty has given up 10 of his 11 runs against this season with two outs while allowing opponents to hit .345 in that spot. Locke pitched 5.2 innings of one-run ball during his lone start at home for the Marlins this season.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Chicago Cubs were -150 moneyline favorites in this one earlier in the day at most online sportsbooks including Sportsbook. The total was 8.5 at Sportsbook for those preferring over under betting.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 4.9-3.2 victory for the Cubs. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Chicago Cubs vs Miami Marlins Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Miami Marlins bring a 32-38 record to the battle against the 36-35 Cubs. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Miami vs Chicago injuries news.
This game puts the Miami Marlins, most recently No. 4 in OddsShark MLB Power Rankings, up against the Chicago Cubs, who rate a No. 13 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up Miami Marlins No. 15 ranked offense (4.73 runs per game) against a Chicago Cubs defense and pitching staff that sits at No. 9 at 4.45 runs allowed per game. The Miami Marlins have been averaging 9.24 hits per game, more than the Chicago Cubs have managed so far this season (8 hits on average).
Comparing defensive stats, Chicago owns the No. 13-rated road mark, allowing 4.55 runs per game on the highway. Miami, on the other hand, rates No. 17 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Cubs endured a 3-2 loss at the hands of the Padres on Wednesday, with E Butler throwing 4 innings of 5-hit ball at Wrigley Field.
The Marlins struck out early and often against M Scherzer in their last game, but still managed to come out ahead on the scoreboard, striking out 11 times in a 2-1 win over Washington on Wednesday at Marlins Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at Miami, Friday, June 23rd