The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals are no strangers to each other and will square off once again on Friday in Game 1 of their National League Divisional Series at Busch Stadium. The Cubbies, fresh off topping Pittsburgh in the National League Wild Card Game, don’t appear to be intimidated when it comes to playing on the road. Chicago is 10-1 in their last 11 games away from Wrigley Field.
- The Over is 7-1-1 in their last nine meetings.
- Yadier Molina is dealing with a thumb injury but is expected to play in Game 1.
- Lester is 1-4 against St. Louis this season.
John Lester and John Lackey will take the bump for the Cards and Cubs, respectively. Lester has allowed two or fewer runs in five out of his last six starts to end the season, while Lackey has always historically played well in St. Louis (9-4, 1.93 ERA in 2015). The 36-year-old has faced the Cubs twice at home this season, allowing just three runs in 14 2/3 innings of work.
Despite their close records, both clubs couldn’t be more different when it comes to pitching in the postseason. The Cubs are playing in the playoffs for the first time since 2003, while the Cardinals are making their fifth-straight appearance.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Baseball betting odds makers, including Sportsbook, opened the St. Louis Cardinals as -105 moneyline in this matchup. Over under total bettors saw the number open at 7 at shops such as Sportsbook.
Odds Shark computer score prediction models pick a possible 5.6-3.1 win for the Cubs on Friday. 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
100-62 St. Louis battles the Cubs, currently with a 98-65 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and St. Louis vs Chicago injuries news.
The Odds Shark MLB Power Rankings have the St. Louis Cardinals at No. 6 and the Chicago Cubs at No. 2 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to getting on base, the visiting Chicago Cubs rank No. 28 at 8.25 hits per game. That compares with the St. Louis Cardinals No. 14 ranking in that category.
Chicago brings the No. 4-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Cardinals's No. 1-ranked defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Cubs didn't allow a single run in their last start, as their staff shut out Pittsburgh 4-0 on Wednesday at PNC Park.
The Cardinals were shut out in their last start, struggling to get much going against the Atlanta staff and losing 2-0 to the Braves on Sunday at Turner Field.
- Chi Cubs is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi Cubs's last 13 games
- Chi Cubs is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
- Chi Cubs is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
- St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
- St. Louis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
- St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at St. Louis, Saturday, October 10th
