Chicago's pitching staff and batting order hope to create an unwelcoming environment in interleague play on Thursday when the Texas Rangers pay a visit to Wrigley Field.

The match puts starter Alexi Ogando for the Rangers on the hill facing Carlos Villanueva for the Cubs. Ogando brings a 2-0 mark to the game, while Villanueva is 0-0 to date on the season.



View Texas vs Chi Cubs Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
Those who planned on backing the visitors in this one found the Rangers listed as favorites of 116 at most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. Total bettors saw the number open in the area of 7.5, check for updates at Sportsbook.

Power Rankings:
According to new MLB Power Rankings here, it's the National League No. 4-ranked Cubs and the American League No. 14-rated Rangers in this matchup.



How They Match Up:
When it comes to getting on base, the visiting Rangers rank No. 9 in the American League at 8.3 hits per game. That compares with Chicago’s No. 13 ranking in that category.

Chicago owns the National League's No. 8 defense, allowing 4.5 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Texas' American League No. 2-rated defense.




Texas Rangers Trends:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Chi Cubs are 7-2
After a win are 4-6

Chicago Cubs Trends:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Milwaukee are 1-9
After playing Texas are 5-4
After a loss are 4-6

A few Rangers at Cubs trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas' last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas' last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas' last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs' last 7 games when playing Texas
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Texas
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home


Next up:
Texas home to Seattle, Friday, April 19
Chi Cubs at Milwaukee, Friday, April 19