The Chicago Cubs are coming off back-to-back shutout losses vs the Brewers and will look to rebound tonight when they open a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. As a result of those losses, the Cubs now sit 1.5 games back for the division lead and will go to New Busch Stadium to face righty Michael Wacha, who has yet to take a loss at home. The Cardinals are 6-2 SU and against the runline when Wacha starts in St. Louis but despite his success, the Cards opened as +110 home dogs in this matchup.
- The Cubs are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games on the road vs the Cardinals.
- The total has gone UNDER in six of the Cubs’ last seven games.
- Michael Wacha has a 1.85 ERA in eight home starts this season.
The Cubs will have lefty Jon Lester on the bump to try to combat the Cardinals batting order and he may be up to the task. Lester is coming off back-to-back shutout wins and has a solid ERA on the road at 2.88 in seven away game starts this season. Since the beginning of May, the Cubs hurler has been on a roll as he has only allowed 10 earned runs total in his last eight starts. Chicago hitters are also used to going up against Wacha as first baseman Anthony Rizzo is 18-for-40 in his career vs the Cards pitcher with three home runs. Although the Cubbies fell short in Milwaukee, they’re 12-5 SU and ATS in their last 17 games so Chicago may be the smart play tonight.
Although Wacha has an impeccable record at home this season, he has been vulnerable in his career vs Chicago, as his ERA is 6.12 in 15 career starts against the division rival. It also doesn’t help that arguably the Cardinals’ best hitter, Jose Martinez, will miss tonight’s game (and the series) on paternity leave. He leaves a huge hole in the St. Louis batting order as he’s notched 42 RBIs and sports a .321 batting average this season. The Cards have the look of a team in fade territory tonight when you consider they’ve dropped six of their last nine games against teams that are last in their respective divisions (Padres, Marlins and Reds).
The total opened at 8 and bettors should heavily consider the UNDER. This matchup is shaping up to be a pitchers’ duel as evidenced by each hurler’s ERA this season and the UNDER has hit in four of the last five games in this matchup in St. Louis, with an average combined score of 7 runs per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Chicago Cubs were listed as -103 underdogs on the MLB baseball moneyline at many online sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. The total was set at 8 before betting started earlier on Friday over at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 2.1-0.8 win 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 St. Louis Cardinals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The St. Louis Cardinals sport a record of 36-30 heading into this matchup, while the Chicago Cubs sit at 38-27 on the season. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and St. Louis vs Chicago injuries news.
The MLB Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Cardinals rated this week at No. 23 and the Cubs sitting at No. 9.
Statistical Matchup
At the plate, St. Louis owns the No. 19 ranking for hits at 8.18 per game. By contrast, Chicago is rated No. 4 in the same category at 9.05 per game.
Chicago brings the No. 3-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Cardinals' No. 9-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Jhoulys Chacin shut down the Cubs in their last game, striking out 7 in a 1-0 shutout over Chicago in baseball action at Miller Park.
St. Louis looks to rebound from a loss to the Padres, who beat them 4-2 on Wednesday behind a start from Eric Lauer at New Busch Stadium.
- Chicago is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games
- Chicago is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games
- Chicago is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
- St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
- St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
- St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at St. Louis, Saturday, June 16
